The Department of Mechanical Engineering was created in April 2001, as one of the founding departments within the Faculty of Engineering. Over the years, it has earned a reputation for producing high-caliber engineers who are well-equipped to tackle complex challenges in the field. The department has maintained a strong commitment to academic rigor, research, and practical training, aligning itself with the broader goals of industrialization and self-reliance in Nigeria.

Since its inception, the department has made significant strides in both infrastructure and academic development. The department boasts an array of advanced facilities, including well-equipped laboratories, workshops, and lecture rooms, all designed to foster a conducive learning environment. Additionally, the department has successfully gone through multiple accreditation processes by the National Universities Commission (NUC), marking its academic programs as top-tier and ensuring that it meets the highest standards in engineering education.

Important Milestones (2001-2024)

The Department of Mechanical Engineering has reached numerous important milestones over the years. Some of these key achievements include:

1. Infrastructure and Staffing: The department is recognized for its excellent infrastructure and the highly qualified teaching and non-teaching staff that support its programs. The faculty comprises seasoned professionals and researchers, many of whom have made notable contributions to the field of mechanical engineering both in Nigeria and internationally. This solid foundation ensures that students receive both theoretical knowledge and hands-on practical experience in various fields of mechanical engineering.
2. Accreditations: The department has undergone four consecutive accreditations by the NUC, a testament to the quality and relevance of its academic programs. These accreditations guarantee that the department adheres to national and international standards, ensuring that graduates are competitive in the global labour market.
3. Research Excellence: The department has built a strong research culture, particularly in fields such as materials and metallurgical engineering, power and energy systems, industrial and automobile engineering, and design and production engineering. Faculty members regularly publish research articles in top-tier international and national journals and present their findings at conferences around the world. These research efforts not only contribute to the global body of knowledge in engineering but also directly impact the local community through the development of innovative technologies and solutions.
4. Value-Added Courses: In response to the evolving demands of the labor market, the department offers value-added courses in subjects such as HVAC (Heating, Ventilation, and Air Conditioning), Robotics, and 3D Printing Technology. These courses provide students with knowledge in areas not traditionally covered by the core syllabus, allowing them to gain proficiency in the latest engineering software and technology. This initiative ensures that COOU graduates remain competitive and relevant in a fast-changing technological landscape.
5. Successful Student Placement: The department has a proven track record of placing students in prestigious national and international companies, including Julius Berger, NNPC, and Shell. The department’s training and placement teams work tirelessly to ensure that students are well-prepared for the job market, offering career counseling, job placement services, and internship opportunities. The high employability rate of graduates is a direct result of the department’s comprehensive curriculum and practical training programs.
6. Entrepreneurship and Innovation: In addition to preparing students for traditional employment, the department also encourages entrepreneurship through its Entrepreneur Development Cell. This initiative equips students with the skills and confidence needed to become job creators rather than job seekers, promoting self-reliance and innovation. Graduates are encouraged to start their own businesses in sectors such as manufacturing, energy, and technology, contributing to the economic development of Nigeria.
7. Global Competition Success: In 2012, a team of Mechanical Engineering students from COOU made headlines when they won the Global Race Car Design Competition, a prestigious international contest that challenges students to design and build real-life race cars. The COOU team, known as the NUTA_BOLTS, placed 7th overall in the competition, showcasing their ingenuity, technical expertise, and teamwork. This achievement highlights the department’s emphasis on practical, hands-on learning and its ability to compete on a global stage.

Leadership of the Department The department has been led by a number of distinguished engineers and academics over the years, each contributing to its growth and success. Notable Heads of Department and Deans include:

– Engr. Prof. C.C. Ihueze (2003–2006)

– Engr. Prof. P.N. Atanmo (2006–2008, 2012–2014)

– Engr. A. A. N. Echezona (2009–2010)

– Engr. P. Onyekwelu (2010–2012)

– Engr. Prof. C.C. Nwobi-Okoye (2014–2016, 2022–2024)

– Engr. Dr. K.C. Owuama (2017–2019)

– Engr. E.I. Nwankwo (2019–2021)

– Engr. Prof. K.O. Ikebudu (2021–2022)

– Engr. Dr. V.C. Ezechukwu (2024–present)

These leaders have helped shape the department into the dynamic and forward-thinking institution it is today. Each one has played a role in advancing the department’s academic offerings, research initiatives, and student outcomes.

Achievements

One of the department’s most remarkable achievements is the design and manufacture of a jet engine-powered single-seater racing car by its students. This project not only demonstrated the technical capabilities of the students but also placed them on the global stage when they won the Global Race Car Design Competition. The success of this project exemplifies the department’s commitment to practical, real-world engineering education.

Also, the department has consistently produced graduates who excel in various sectors, including academia, industry, and entrepreneurship. Its graduates have made significant contributions to fields such as automotive engineering, renewable energy, and industrial design, both in Nigeria and internationally.

The department’s research output is another key achievement. Faculty members regularly publish in high-impact international and national journals, contributing to advancements in fields such as materials science, energy systems, and industrial automation. This research not only enhances the department’s academic reputation but also provides practical solutions to challenges facing the engineering sector in Nigeria.

Mission Statement

The mission of the Department of Mechanical Engineering is to provide world-class education and research that equips students and faculty with the technical, professional, critical-thinking, and communication skills needed to make a positive impact on society. The department is committed to fostering a culture of innovation, creativity, and ethical responsibility, preparing graduates to address complex engineering challenges in a rapidly changing global landscape.

Philosophy and Values

The department’s philosophy is grounded in the principles of the National Policy on Industrialization and Self-Reliance. It aims to produce graduates with a broad-based foundation in engineering, coupled with specialized knowledge and practical skills in mechanical engineering. Key elements of this philosophy include:

1. A strong emphasis on practical, hands-on training in mechanical engineering and related fields.
2. Exposure to human and organizational behavior, management principles, and entrepreneurship.
3. A commitment to ethical and professional responsibility, ensuring that graduates are equipped to protect human health, welfare, and the environment.
4. A focus on leadership and teamwork, essential skills for success in the engineering profession.

The department also believes in fostering partnerships with industry, academia, and government, ensuring that its programs remain relevant and aligned with the needs of society.

Future Targets

Looking ahead, the Department of Mechanical Engineering is committed to maintaining and enhancing the “3 Vs” of the university: Visibility, Viability, and Values. This includes:

1. Sustainability: The department aims to integrate sustainability practices into its curriculum, ensuring that students are equipped to address environmental challenges in engineering.
2. Research and Innovation: The department will continue to invest in cutting-edge research, particularly in areas such as renewable energy, materials science, and industrial automation.
3. Entrepreneurship: The department will further develop its Entrepreneur Development Cell, providing students with the tools and support needed to start their own businesses and contribute to Nigeria’s economic growth.

Programmes Offered

The department offers a comprehensive range of academic programs, including:

– Bachelor of Science (B.Sc.) in Mechanical Engineering

– Postgraduate Diploma (PGD) in Mechanical Engineering

– Master of Science (M.Sc.) in Mechanical Engineering

– Doctor of Philosophy (Ph.D.) in Mechanical Engineering

These programs are designed to provide students with a solid foundation in mechanical engineering, while also offering opportunities for specialization and research.