The Department of Civil Engineering was founded in 1955 in the Nigerian College of Arts Science and Technology, Zaria (NCAST) as one of the pioneer Departments of the Faculty of Engineering under University of Ibadan, along with the Departments of Mechanical and Electrical Engineering. Students were then trained for the B.Sc (Eng) degree of the University of London under the scheme of special relation. The first London Degrees were awarded in October, 1960. The courses for the special relation and examinations for the University of London came to an end in June 1965. Students registered thereafter, followed courses of study for honours degree in Civil Engineering. The Department later took off in the Faculty of Engineering, Ahmadu Bello University, Zaria in October, 1962 along with the other two pioneer Departments. Departments such as Water Resources and Environmental Engineering, Land Surveying now known as Geomatics and Quantity Surveying, were created out of Civil Engineering Departments.
The Department of Civil Engineering offers:
i. Undergraduateandgraduateeducationofthehighestqualityin civil engineering.
ii. Conductssignificantbasicandappliedresearchinthe areas of structural, geotechnical, construction materials andtransportation engineering.
iii. Providesprofessionalservicetothe University, private individuals, industry and government.
The Department of Civil Engineering has established a reputation in support of the development and maintenance of civil infrastructures in Nigeria. It is one of the largest producers of Civil Engineers in Nigeria over the past 50 years. Many of these Engineers have made major contributions to the development and wealth creation in Nigeria over the years. We are proud of this history and are building on these achievements of the past with a new vision and strategic direction for the future.
At the beginning of 2013/2014 academic session, the Department had 600 undergraduates studying and the 100 level (First year) intake was 125 selected across Nigeria and neighbouring West African Countries.
The Department is also very involved in “continuing education” and offers a host of postgraduate courses in various civil engineering fields. Currently, there are 113 students enrolled in a variety of these courses, some of whom are nationals from neighbouring West African countries. 93 of them enrolled for M.Sc (Eng) and 20 enrolled for P.hD.
The Department of Civil Engineering will serve its students, government, industry and society by fulfilling the mission of discovery, learning and engagement through the creation, dissemination and application of engineering in the many aspects of modern life where it plays a crucial role.
Building on a legacy of Ahmadu Bello University, Zaria, of educational excellence, equal access and opportunity to students from all walks of life, the Department of Civil Engineering, envisions itself as a department which values excellence in teaching, research, and public service. Our vision is to build upon this legacy through the provision of academic excellence, to link all aspects of our activities with community needs and economic development, and to help students become productive citizens. We aim to produce graduates whose qualifications are internationally recognised and locally applicable, underpinned by values of engaged citizenship and social justice. The Department of Civil Engineering will promote diversity and transformation within Ahmadu Bello University, Zaria and beyond, including growing the next generation of academics.
The philosophy of the programme is to educate and train highly skilled civil engineers that will contribute to national and global technological development. To be the bedrock of the growth and development and civil process industry (CPI) in Nigeria, with the capacity to contribute to the sustainable economic growth of the country and place it amongst the best in the comity of nations.