The Department of Civil Engineering at COOU was founded in the 2000/2001 academic session, a period marked by a strategic focus on expanding the university’s academic offerings to meet the growing demand for engineering education in Nigeria. The department’s creation was a significant milestone for the university, reflecting its ambition to produce professionals who could contribute to the nation’s infrastructural development.

Since its inception, the department has been guided by a series of esteemed deans and heads of departments, each bringing their unique vision and leadership style to the role. The pioneering leadership of Prof. G.C. Okechukwu (2001-2004) was instrumental in laying the department’s foundational structures, including the establishment of a strong curriculum that emphasized both theoretical and practical aspects of civil engineering. Prof. Okechukwu’s tenure set the tone for future leaders, ensuring that the department was built on a solid academic and administrative foundation.

Following Prof. Okechukwu, the department was led by Engr. Dr. Chukwujekwu (2004-2011), whose seven-year tenure saw significant advancements, including the creation of a state-of-the-art computer laboratory for students. This laboratory was a major development, providing students with access to modern computational tools that are essential for civil engineering practice. Under Dr. Chukwujekwu’s leadership, the department also began to explore postgraduate education, laying the groundwork for the eventual establishment of its postgraduate programs.

Engr. Assoc. Prof. P.N. Atammuo (2011-2012) served as the dean for a brief but impactful period, during which he continued the work of his predecessors by strengthening the department’s academic programs and fostering a culture of research and innovation. His leadership was followed by **Engr. Dr. Mbachu (2012-2014)**, whose tenure was marked by a renewed focus on student-centered learning and the expansion of the department’s research capabilities.

In 2014, Engr. Prof. E.I. Umeonyiagu (2014-2018) took the helm, guiding the department through a period of significant growth. During his tenure, the department saw an increase in student enrollment, the expansion of its laboratory facilities, and the launch of its postgraduate program. Prof. Umeonyiagu’s leadership was characterized by a strong emphasis on academic excellence, as evidenced by the department’s successful graduation of its first batch of students in 2005 and the consistent graduation of students since then.

Engr. Assoc. Prof. A.J. Atuchukwu (2018-2020) continued to build on the department’s successes, focusing on enhancing the quality of teaching and learning. His tenure was followed by **Engr. Prof. L.C. Eme (2020-2023)**, under whose leadership the department achieved a major milestone: accreditation by the National Universities Commission (NUC) in 2023. This accreditation was a significant achievement, validating the department’s efforts to provide a world-class education in civil engineering.

The current head of the department, Engr. Dr. Mmounwuba (2024 – ), has taken on the challenge of leading the department into a new era of innovation and excellence. Under Dr. Mmounwuba’s leadership, the department is poised to continue its upward trajectory, with a focus on expanding its research initiatives, enhancing its facilities, and forging stronger partnerships with industry and other academic institutions.

Cutting-Edge Facilities and Comprehensive Programs

The Department of Civil Engineering at COOU offers a comprehensive range of programs designed to meet the diverse needs of students at different stages of their academic and professional careers. These programs include Bachelor of Science (B.Sc.), Postgraduate Diploma (PGD), Master of Science (M.Sc.), and Doctor of Philosophy (Ph.D.) degrees in Civil Engineering. Each program is carefully designed to provide students with a strong foundation in civil engineering principles, as well as the practical skills needed to apply these principles in real-world settings.

The B.Sc. program in Civil Engineering is the department’s flagship program, providing students with a broad-based education in civil engineering. The curriculum covers key areas such as structural engineering, geotechnical engineering, transportation engineering, water resources engineering, and environmental engineering. The program also includes a strong emphasis on mathematics and the physical sciences, ensuring that students have the analytical skills needed to solve complex engineering problems.

The PGD program is designed for students who have a degree in a related field and wish to pursue a career in civil engineering. The program provides a pathway for students to gain the necessary knowledge and skills to transition into the field of civil engineering. The curriculum covers the core areas of civil engineering, with a focus on practical applications and professional practice.

The M.Sc. and Ph.D. programs are designed for students who wish to pursue advanced studies in civil engineering. These programs provide students with the opportunity to engage in cutting-edge research in areas such as structural dynamics, earthquake engineering, sustainable infrastructure, and water resources management. Students in these programs work closely with faculty members on research projects that contribute to the advancement of knowledge in civil engineering.

The department’s programs are supported by state-of-the-art facilities, including well-equipped laboratories and workshops. The Structural Engineering Laboratory provides students with the opportunity to conduct experiments on materials and structures, allowing them to gain a deeper understanding of how different materials behave under various loading conditions. The Hydraulics/Fluid Mechanics Laboratory is equipped with modern equipment for studying the behaviour of fluids in motion, including flow measurement and analysis, as well as experiments on open channel flow and pipe flow.

The Soil Laboratory is another key facility, providing students with the tools to study the properties of soils and their behaviour under different conditions. This laboratory is essential for understanding the principles of geotechnical engineering, including soil mechanics, foundation engineering, and slope stability analysis. The department also has a Wood Workshop, where students can gain hands-on experience in working with wood and other construction materials. This workshop is particularly important for students interested in structural engineering and construction management.

In addition to these laboratories, the department has airy and spacious classrooms that are conducive to learning. These classrooms are equipped with modern teaching aids, including projectors and audio-visual equipment, to enhance the learning experience. The department also has a Computer Laboratory, which is essential for teaching courses in computer-aided design (CAD) and other software tools used in civil engineering practice.

A Focus on Real-World Experience

One of the key strengths of the Department of Civil Engineering at COOU is its focus on providing students with real-world experience. The department recognizes that engineering is a practical profession, and that students need to be able to apply the knowledge they gain in the classroom to solve real-world problems.

To this end, the department organizes regular excursions to industry-leading companies, where students can observe engineering practices in action. These excursions provide students with the opportunity to see how engineering principles are applied in the design, construction, and maintenance of infrastructure projects. They also give students the chance to interact with professionals in the field, gaining insights into the challenges and opportunities that exist in the engineering industry.

In addition to excursions, the department also places a strong emphasis on Industrial Training (IT). As part of the B.Sc. program, students are required to complete a period of industrial training, where they work in a real-world engineering environment. This training is an essential part of the curriculum, providing students with hands-on experience in applying the concepts and skills they have learned in the classroom.

During their industrial training, students are placed in different companies that are relevant to their field of study. These placements are carefully selected to ensure that students gain experience in areas that align with their career goals. The department has established strong relationships with a number of companies in the engineering industry, which allows it to offer students a wide range of placement opportunities.

The department also provides support for students in securing these placements, including guidance on writing resumes and preparing for interviews. This support is crucial in helping students make the most of their industrial training experience, ensuring that they are well-prepared to enter the workforce upon graduation.

A Vision for the Future

Looking ahead, the Department of Civil Engineering at COOU has set ambitious goals for the future. One of the department’s key objectives is to participate in international competitions and fairs by 2030. These events provide an excellent opportunity for students and faculty to showcase their work on a global stage, and to learn from the experiences of others in the field.

Participation in international competitions and fairs also helps to raise the profile of the department, attracting attention from potential students, faculty, and industry partners. The department is committed to preparing its students to compete favorably in these events, and to demonstrating the high level of engineering education and research that is being conducted at COOU.

Another key objective for the department is to continue graduating high-quality engineers who are capable of competing in the global job market. The department recognizes that the world is becoming increasingly interconnected, and that its graduates need to be able to work in a variety of settings, both in Nigeria and abroad. To achieve this goal, the department is continually updating its curriculum to ensure that it meets international standards, and that its graduates are equipped with the skills and knowledge needed to succeed in a globalized world.

The department is also focused on expanding its research activities, with the aim of becoming a leading center for research in civil engineering in Nigeria. This includes increasing the number of research projects being conducted by faculty and students, as well as securing funding for these projects from national and international sources. The department is particularly interested in research that addresses the unique challenges facing Nigeria, such as the need for sustainable infrastructure, disaster resilience, and water resources management.

In addition to expanding its research activities, the department is also committed to enhancing its facilities. This includes upgrading its laboratories and workshops with the latest equipment, as well as improving its classroom facilities to provide an optimal learning environment. The department is also exploring the possibility of establishing new research centres that focus on key areas of civil engineering, such as environmental engineering and sustainable infrastructure.

The department is also keen to strengthen its partnerships with industry and other academic institutions. These partnerships are essential for providing students with real-world experience, as well as for securing funding and support for research projects. The department is actively seeking to establish new partnerships, both in Nigeria and internationally, to enhance its programs and provide more opportunities for its students and faculty.

Admission and Opportunities

The Department of Civil Engineering offers a range of programs that cater to students at different stages of their academic and professional careers. The department is committed to making the admission process as seamless as possible, with clear guidelines and requirements for each program.

For the undergraduate B.Sc. program, prospective students must meet certain academic requirements to be eligible for admission. This includes obtaining at least five credits in key subjects, including Mathematics, English, Chemistry, and Physics, in the Senior Secondary Certificate Examination (SSCE) or its equivalent. Also, students must achieve a JAMB score of 200 or higher to be considered for admission.

The department also offers a Postgraduate Diploma (PGD) program, which is designed for students who have a degree in a related field and wish to transition into civil engineering. To be eligible for admission to the PGD program, students must have a minimum CGPA of 3.0 from an accredited institution. The program is ideal for professionals who are looking to enhance their skills and knowledge in civil engineering, as well as for those who are seeking to change their career path.

For the M.Sc. program, students must have a minimum CGPA of 3.0 in their undergraduate degree in civil engineering or a related field. The M.Sc. program is designed for students who are interested in pursuing advanced studies in civil engineering, and who are looking to engage in research and other scholarly activities.

The Ph.D. program is the department’s highest level of academic achievement, and is designed for students who wish to conduct original research in civil engineering. Admission to the Ph.D. program requires a master’s degree in civil engineering or a related field, as well as a strong academic record and a clear research proposal.

The department also offers a number of other opportunities for students, including the ability to defer admission or transfer from another institution. The department is committed to making these processes as straightforward as possible, providing students with the guidance and support they need to navigate the admission process.

The department also facilitates registration procedures for new and returning students, ensuring that they are able to complete the necessary paperwork and begin their studies without any delays. This includes providing students with access to academic advisors, who can help them select courses and develop a plan of study that meets their academic and career goals.

Scholarly Contributions and Industry Impact

The Department of Civil Engineering at COOU is not only focused on teaching and learning, but also on advancing knowledge in the field of civil engineering through research and scholarly contributions. The department’s faculty members are actively engaged in research, contributing to leading journals and conferences in the field of civil engineering.

Some of the department’s key research areas include environmental engineering, water resources management, structural engineering, transportation engineering, and geotechnical engineering. These research areas are critical to addressing the challenges facing Nigeria and the world, including the need for sustainable infrastructure, disaster resilience, and efficient transportation systems.

The department’s faculty members have published their research in leading journals such as the World Environmental Engineering Journal and the International Journal of Advanced Water Engineering. These publications reflect the department’s commitment to advancing knowledge and contributing to the global body of research in civil engineering.

In addition to publishing in academic journals, the department’s faculty members are also actively involved in industry, providing consulting services to companies and government agencies. This engagement with industry ensures that the department’s research is relevant and impactful, and that it contributes to the development of practical solutions to real-world problems.

The department is also committed to providing its students with the opportunity to engage in research. This includes offering research assistantships and other opportunities for students to work on faculty-led research projects. These opportunities are invaluable for students who are interested in pursuing a career in academia or research, as they provide them with the experience and skills needed to succeed in these fields.

Join the Legacy of Excellence

The Department of Civil Engineering invites prospective students, researchers, and industry partners to join its legacy of excellence. With a rich history, cutting-edge facilities, and a forward-looking vision, the department is poised to continue shaping the future of civil engineering in Nigeria and beyond. Whether you are looking to pursue a degree, collaborate on research, or invest in the next generation of engineers, COOU’s Department of Civil Engineering offers unparalleled opportunities for growth and success.