The Department of Mechanical Engineering is one of the three departments created under Faculty of Engineering (formerly Faculty of Technology) at the inception of the Faculty in January 1978. The other two departments are Civil Engineering and Electrical Engineering. The pioneering Head of Department was Professor M. D. C. Doyle, from United Kingdom, who was at the helm from 1980 to 1988. The first indigenous Head of Department was Professor Abubakar Sani Sambo, whose tenure lasted for 2 years, from 1988 to 1989.

From inception till 1981 82 session, intake into the then 3-year degree programme was through the pre- degree programme of the Faculty. The pre-degree programme includes courses in Mathematics, Physics, Chemistry and Workshop Technology. From the 1984/85 session, the Mechanical Engineering Department with other Departments in the Faculty started a 4-year degree programme, where majority of the intakes was from the one-year science remedial programme of the university. From the 1990/91 session, the Department began a 5-year degree programme which runs to date.

The Department of Mechanical Engineering offers two programmes at the undergraduate level, Bachelor of Engineering in Mechanical Engineering and Bachelor of Engineering in Automotive Engineering. At the postgraduate level, the Department offers Postgraduate Diploma in Mechanical Engineering, Masters in Energy Engineering, Masters in Production Engineering, Masters in Materials & Metallurgical Engineering, Masters of Philosophy in Mechanical Engineering, PhD in Energy Engineering, PhD in Production Engineering and PhD in Materials & Metallurgical Engineering.

Over the years, the staff strength of the Department has improved significantly. The Department has thirty-two members of academic staff, with over twenty-one of them with PhD degree while others are at various stages of completing their PhD programme in reputable universities abroad. The technical staff strength is also very impressive. Currently, there are eighteen technical staff handling the practical laboratory sessions.

The Department in addition, to the sound theoretical background given to the students in the lecture rooms, also exposes them to extensive relevant laboratory work and exercises. In addition, the students are trained through an 8-week Students Work Experience Programme (SWEP) in Level 200, a three month supervised Industrial Work Experience Scheme (SIWES I) in Level 300, and a 6-month well organised Student Industrial Works Experience Scheme (SIWES II) during the whole of the second semester period for the Level 400 students.

Lectures received in the classroom are complemented with practical laboratory sessions in Thermodynamics, Materials Science, Solid Mechanics, Applied Mechanics, Machine Tools, Metrology, Manufacturing Processes, Control Engineering, Computer-Aided Design and Manufacture, Engineering drawing, Innovative Design, Fluid Mechanics, and others. The Department has enormous physical facilities and advanced research laboratories that are well equipped to support academic programmes and research.

To be a premier African centre of education, research and technological excellence in Engineering.

• To nurture human resources in Engineering and Research

• To mentor and instil engineering discipline to aspiring individuals to unleash their potential and realise their dream of becoming technocrats in building Africa.

• To produce competent and professional engineering graduates with the ability for creativity, innovation, problem solving skills and entrepreneurship capable of competing in a dynamic world.

The programme educational objectives (PEOs) for the Bachelor of Mechanical Engineering Programme are:

Graduates of Mechanical Engineering Programme will be able to:

PEO1:

Apply mathematical, analytical, and technical skills in the design and analysis of complex mechanical engineering systems, while considering functionality, safety, aesthetics, sustainability, and cost-effectiveness.

PEO2:

Leverage the knowledge and training acquired to assume diverse roles in mechanical engineering and related fields, or to pursue advanced studies and professional certifications across various industries.

PEO3:

Demonstrate originality of thought, responsibility, and leadership in managing people, funds, materials, and equipment, with a focus on improving indigenous technologies and addressing local engineering challenges.

PEO4:

Deliver mechanical engineering services in an ethical and professional manner, while acquiring and maintaining the required professional licenses to practice in their chosen areas of specialization.

PEO5:

Pursue lifelong learning and professional development through active participation in national and international professional bodies such as NSE, NiMechE, ASME, and IMECHE.

All B.Eng. (Mechanical) graduates from the department shall, upon graduation, possess the ability to:

PO1 (Engineering Knowledge):

Apply knowledge of mathematics, computing, natural sciences, and core principles of mechanical engineering to solve complex engineering problems.

PO2 (Problem Analysis):

Identify, formulate, and analyze complex engineering problems by applying principles of mathematics, science, and mechanical engineering, using state-of-the-art tools and techniques.

PO3 (Design and Development of Solution):

Design and develop sustainable mechanical systems, components, or processes that address identified needs, incorporating standards, safety, cost-effectiveness, and critical analysis of engineering problems.

PO4 (Investigation and Experimentation):

Conduct literature reviews, perform thorough investigations and experiments using appropriate research methodologies, and apply sound engineering judgment to derive valid conclusions.

PO5 (Modern Tool Usage):

Select and effectively use modern engineering and IT tools for modeling, design, and problem-solving, while understanding their capabilities and limitations.

PO6 (Engineer and Society):

Apply engineering solutions that reflect consideration for societal, health, safety, legal, economic, and environmental factors in the execution and management of engineering projects.

PO7 (Ethics):

Demonstrate ethical reasoning and recognize professional responsibilities by making informed decisions in engineering practice.

PO8 (Individual and Teamwork):

Work efficiently both independently and as part of a diverse/multidisciplinary team to plan tasks, set goals, and achieve project objectives.

PO9 (Communication):

Communicate effectively with engineering and non-engineering audiences through well-structured reports, documentation, and presentations, leveraging IT tools for enhanced communication.

PO10 (Project Management and Finance):

Apply engineering management principles to resource planning, economic decision-making, and leadership roles in industrial operations, startups, organisations, or project environments.

PO11(Lifelong Learning):

Recognize the importance of lifelong learning and demonstrate the ability to acquire and apply new knowledge, skills, and technologies in response to evolving engineering challenges.