Mechanical Engineering

On the 6^th of August, 1980, the law establishing the Rivers State University of Science and Technology was promulgated and it transferred to the University the assets and liabilities of the School of Engineering of the College which became the Faculty of Engineering of the University, comprising the aforementioned five departments. The Department of Agricultural Engineering joined the Faculty from the Faculty of Agriculture in 1990.

In 1984, the Council of Registered Engineers of Nigeria (COREN), the body set up by Decree No.55 of 1970 to control the practice of Engineering profession in Nigeria, gave full accreditation to the Bachelor Degree programme of the Department as well as for each of the other four Departments of the Faculty of Engineering of the Rivers State University of Science and Technology at the time. The first batch of the 18 students of the Bachelor Degree programme in Mechanical Engineering graduated in 1985.

As always, the department was given full accreditation by the National Universities Commission (NUC) in 2021.

Programme Educational Objectives (PEOs):

On successful completion of the programme the graduate Mechanical Engineer shall be able to:

• Apply engineering principles to solve engineering problems, design, develop, manufacture and maintain mechanical engineering devices, facilities and systems to meet the needs of mankind.
• Apply cutting-edge engineering tools to conduct investigation into developmental or complex engineering challenges.
• Assess societal challenges with a high level of engineering professionalism and integrity, and to communicate effectively engineering activities.
• Function effectively as an individual or team member in managing diverse engineering projects.
• Engage in continuous professional development and life-long learning in proffering solutions in an ever-changing environment for sustainability.

Programme Outcomes (POs):

A graduate of the mechanical engineering programme is expected to have ability to:

1. apply knowledge of mathematics, science, engineering fundamentals and an engineering specialization to the solution of developmental and complex engineering problems.
2. identify, formulate, research literature and analyse developmental and complex engineering problems reaching substantiated conclusions using first principles of mathematics, natural sciences and engineering sciences.
3. proffer solutions for developmental or complex engineering problems and design systems, components or processes that meet specified needs with appropriate xxi consideration for public health and safety, cultural, societal and environmental considerations.
4. conduct investigation into developmental or complex problems using research-based knowledge and research methods including design of experiments, analysis and interpretation of data, and synthesis of information to provide valid conclusions.
5. create, select and apply appropriate techniques, resources and modern engineering and ICT tools, including prediction, modelling and optimization to developmental and complex engineering activities, with an understanding of the limitations.
6. apply reasoning informed by contextual knowledge including Humanities and Social Sciences to assess societal, health, safety, legal and cultural issues and the consequent responsibilities relevant to professional engineering practice.
7. understand the impact of professional engineering solutions in societal and environmental contexts and demonstrate knowledge of and need for sustainable development.
8. apply ethical principles and commit to professional ethics and responsibilities and norms of engineering practice, including adherence to the COREN Engineers Code of Conducts
9. function effectively as an individual, and as a member or leader in diverse teams and in multi-disciplinary settings.
10. communicate effectively on developmental or complex engineering activities with the engineering community and with society at large, such as being able to comprehend and write effective reports and design documentation, make effective presentations, and give and receive clear instructions.
11. demonstrate knowledge and understanding of engineering, management and financial principles and apply these to one’s own work, as a member and leader in a team, to manage projects and in multi-disciplinary environments.
12. recognize the need for and have the preparations and ability to engage in independent and lifelong learning in the broadest context of technological and social changes.