The Mechanical Engineering degree programme started in 1955 in the former Nigerian College of Arts, Science and Technology, Zaria, under University College, Ibadan, which was affiliated to the University of London. Its degrees were initially the degrees of the University of London. The entry requirements, duration of courses and curriculum were therefore, those of the University of London. The requirements were A level passes in Physics and Mathematics. The duration of the course was three (3) years and assessment was based on one end-of-year examination, normally taken in June. Degrees of Bachelor of Science in Mechanical Engineering were classified First class, Second Class, (Upper and Lower Divisions) Honours and Pass degrees. Practical training was optional. Only 2 graduates were produced in 1962 and in 1963. The first First Class Honours degrees were awarded to the late Professor Ayodele Olufuminu Awojobi and James Aso Chukwu Agbasiere in 1962. When Ahmadu Bello University came into being in 1962, the London students continued with their programme, whilst a new syllabus was introduced for the ABU students. This new syllabus placed more emphasis on practical training and introduced workshop technology into the Part I curriculum. In order to strengthen the practical content of the programme, more attention was laid to industrial training than had been hitherto been done. Industrial training posting was done during the long vacation. In the 1970/71 session, the classification of degrees awarded was changed by the introduction of a Third Class Honours degree, i.e. increasing the classification, to First, Upper Second, Lower Second, Third Class Honours and Pass degrees. The title of the degree was also changed from B.Sc. (Mech. Engineering) to Bachelor of Engineering, Mechanical, i.e. B.Eng. (Mechanical), in order to avoid comparisons. To further strengthen the practical content of the programme, students work Experience Programme (SWEP) was introduced in 1973/74. It was felt that students would benefit more from Industrial training after having gone through basic workshop training during SWEP, which was scheduled for end of Part I for a period of 8 weeks. As the practical content got more elaborate, the 3 year period for the programme became too tight. In the 1981/82 season, the curriculum was restructured to allow for a four (4) year duration. Students assessment based on the end of session examinations continued until 1987/88 session when the American Course Credit System was introduced. Also direct admission into the programme from Secondary level commenced at the same time. Admission requirements were now based on a minimum score of 180 earned in the Joint Admission and Matriculation Board (JAMB) examination and five (5) credits in relevant subjects. The programme also changed to a five (5) year duration programme commencing with 100 level and ending with 500 level. Each level has two semesters referred to as 1st and 2nd semesters.
The Mechanical Engineering Program at ABU makes available a high quality, relevant engineering education by providing students with a set of skills, knowledge and attitudes that will permit its graduates to succeed and thrive as engineers and leaders. The program stives to:
The Mechanical Engineering program at Ahmadu Bello University, Zaria Nigeria will be a citadel of learning of new technology, strives to graduate mechanical engineers of the highest quality and to conduct state-to-the-art research.
The objectives of the Department in line with the objectives of the University as articulated in Article 4 of its 1962 and 1975 Laws are:
The philosophy of the Department is to impart Mechanical Engineering Technology knowledge and skills at all levels to men and women of all races without any distinction on the grounds of race, religious or political beliefs in order to serve the needs of the nation and mankind in general.