Surveying and Geoinformatics

Surveying and Geoinformatics is the science of measuring, mapping and managing information about land and the environment — using surveying, satellite positioning, remote sensing and GIS. Here is what the course involves, where it can take you, and how to get in.

Course at a glance

Degree awardedB.Sc Surveying and Geoinformatics
Duration5 years, then NYSC
Faculty / collegeFaculty of Environmental Sciences
Career field / bodySurveyors Council of Nigeria (SURCON); NIS
UTME subjectsUse of English, Physics, Mathematics, and one of Chemistry, Geography, Fine Art, Biology or Economics
CompetitivenessCompetitive

What Surveying and Geoinformatics is about

Surveying and Geoinformatics is the science of measuring, mapping and managing information about land and the environment — using surveying, satellite positioning, remote sensing and GIS.

A brief history of the discipline

From land boundaries to modern digital mapping, surveying underpins construction, land administration and development. In Nigeria, surveyors are registered by SURCON.

What you will study

You study land surveying, geodesy, cartography, photogrammetry and remote sensing, geographic information systems (GIS), and geoinformatics — with fieldwork and a project.

Why study Surveying and Geoinformatics & who it suits

This course suits creative, practical and technically-minded students interested in the built environment, land and design. An interest in maps, measurement, technology and the outdoors is ideal.

Careers & where graduates work

Graduates work as surveyors and in GIS and mapping, land administration, construction and infrastructure, oil and gas surveying, and planning. Professional registration is with SURCON.

Salary outlook in Nigeria

Surveying and Geoinformatics pays well, especially in oil & gas surveying and GIS, with own-practice potential.

Career stageTypical monthly pay (approx.)
Entry (graduate)₦150,000 – ₦350,000
Mid-level (registered)₦400,000 – ₦900,000
Senior / principal / own practice₦1,000,000 – ₦2,500,000+

Figures are rough approximations (monthly gross) as of 2026, drawn from Nigerian salary aggregators. Actual pay varies widely by sector (oil & gas, fintech and multinationals pay far above the public service), employer, location (Lagos and Abuja pay more) and experience — treat these as a guide, not a guarantee.

Where it’s offered: notable universities

Surveying and Geoinformatics is offered at a number of Nigerian universities, including the University of Lagos, University of Nigeria, the Federal University of Technology Akure and Nnamdi Azikiwe University, among others.

This is not a ranked or exhaustive list — always confirm the current institutions and their requirements in the official JAMB brochure, or use our subject combination checker and the Surveying and Geoinformatics admission guide.

Is Surveying and Geoinformatics a good course to study in Nigeria?

Surveying and Geoinformatics is the measuring and mapping of land using surveying, GPS, remote sensing and GIS — well paid, especially in oil & gas.

Why it’s a strong choice:

Challenges to weigh:

It suits students who like maps, measurement, technology and the outdoors.

Skills you’ll gain

Beyond subject knowledge, Surveying and Geoinformatics builds transferable skills valued across many careers:

Licensing, professional bodies & further study

B.Sc Surveying and Geoinformatics (5 years) → NYSC → surveying and GIS roles, with SURCON registration for professional practice.

How to get in: Surveying and Geoinformatics UTME requirements

The JAMB UTME combination for Surveying and Geoinformatics is Use of English, Physics, Mathematics, and one of Chemistry, Geography, Fine Art, Biology or Economics. You also need five relevant O’Level credits including English Language and Mathematics. Confirm the exact requirement for your chosen university.

Full admission details: see the complete Surveying and Geoinformatics subject combination, cut-off & O’Level guide, or confirm any course with our subject combination checker.

Practise the UTME subjects free

Prepare with free official-syllabus notes and timed CBT practice for your UTME subjects:

Ready to practise? Take a free mock exam or focused CBT practice with worked explanations.

Related guides

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Frequently asked questions

How long is Surveying and Geoinformatics in Nigeria?

It typically takes 5 years, followed by the one-year NYSC.

What are the JAMB subjects for Surveying and Geoinformatics?

Use of English, Physics, Mathematics, and one of Chemistry, Geography, Fine Art, Biology or Economics

What does a surveyor do?

They measure and map land and the environment — for boundaries, construction, land administration and development — using surveying instruments, GPS, remote sensing and GIS.

Is GIS part of this course?

Yes — geoinformatics, including GIS and remote sensing, is a core, increasingly in-demand part of the programme.

Is Surveying and Geoinformatics a good course to study in Nigeria?

Yes — it pays well (especially in oil & gas and GIS), is registrable (SURCON), and its GIS skills are in strong demand.

Does it pay well?

Yes — surveying and GIS roles, particularly in oil & gas and construction, are well paid, with own-practice potential.

Is GIS part of the course?

Yes — geoinformatics, including GIS and remote sensing, is a core, increasingly in-demand part of the programme.

Can surveyors own a business?

Yes — registered surveyors can run their own surveying and mapping practices.

Sources: Course content and career pathways summarised from Nigerian faculties and the relevant professional/registration bodies; admission requirements from the official JAMB UTME brochure. Last checked: 22 Sept 2026. Belmadeng is an independent study platform and is not affiliated with JAMB, the NUC or any professional body. Programme structure, duration and requirements vary by university — always confirm details with your chosen institution and the official JAMB brochure.