The field of engineering encompasses numerous technical fields that address specific problems.
There are numerous engineering courses offered in higher institutions but you have to choose the one that is best for you and aligns with your interest.
Some engineering courses offered in higher institutions are not currently relevant in our society, and that is why many people graduate without good-paying jobs.
To avoid the mistake many people have made when choosing an engineering course in the university, you have to know the top engineering courses in Nigeria that are relevant and this is what this article is all about.
What is Engineering
Engineering is the application of scientific principles to solve problems and create and build machines, structures, apparatus, and human needs including bridges, tunnels, roads, vehicles, and buildings.
Engineering involves the creative application of science, mathematical methods, and practical evidence of the innovation, design, construction, and maintenance of structures, machines, materials, devices, systems, processes, and organizations.
The field of engineering is broad, it encompasses many other fields that carry out specific functions in different areas.
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Who is an Engineer?
An Engineer is anyone who has been trained and licensed to practice engineering. However, engineers are professionals who create, design, examine, build and test machines, complex systems, structures, gadgets, and materials.
Engineers use math and science to solve different technical problems. They invent new products that can be used by companies, factories, or individuals.
They also provide maintenance to current products to enhance their use.
However, there are many things to take into consideration before becoming an engineer, nobody wakes up to become one.
To become an engineer, you must, first of all, earn the appropriate degree in any field of engineering of your choice.
Many higher institutions in Nigeria offer engineering courses you can enroll in to start learning.
However, after earning the appropriate degree, you must register with the Council for the Regulation of Engineering in Nigeria (COREN), which is a body set up to regulate and control the training and practice of engineering in Nigeria and to ensure and enforce the registration of all engineering personnel.
After registering with COREN, you can be fit to be called an engineer and also practice engineering in Nigeria.
Types of engineering
There are various types of engineering and they are:
- Civil engineering
- Mechanical engineering
- Electrical engineering
- Chemical engineering
- Systems engineering
- Environmental engineering
- Aerospace engineering
- Agricultural Engineering
- Architectural engineering
- Building engineering
- Biomedical engineering
- Computer engineering
- Electrical engineering
- Fire Protection engineering
- Industrial engineering
- Mechatronics engineering
- Mechanical engineering
- Metallurgical engineering/materials engineering
- Mining engineering
- Software engineering
- Robotic engineering
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Reasons to Study Engineering
There are so many reasons to study engineering especially if you are young and skillful and also considering a career in the field.
Engineering is an engaging and ever-evolving field of study. There are many areas of engineering you can choose to study, become competent in, and scale your career to the utmost height.
However, below are the reasons to study engineering, read on to get motivated.
1. Engineering is a long-lasting and well-paid profession, and the level of employability in the field is very high.
2. Engineering is one of the highest-paid degree subjects in Nigeria and worldwide, and engineers have high salary potential.
3. Engineers are sought after worldwide, and because of this, engineers have the opportunities to be employed anywhere, they attract international opportunities.
4. Engineers contribute to society and improve the world in a striking way, they help to create and develop infrastructure that improves people’s lives.
5. Engineering is an interesting field that incorporates scientific and mathematical knowledge with creative thinking. It teaches engineers to become creative and questions things that do not align with their practice.
Top Engineering Courses In Nigeria
If you intend to study engineering at the university, you must make sure you study one of the top engineering courses with a high employability rate in Nigeria.
However, below are the top engineering courses in Nigeria you can study at the university.
1. Electrical/Electronics Engineering
Electrical engineering is one of the top engineering courses in Nigeria that has to do with the study, design, and application of tools, appliances, and systems that use electricity, electronics, and electromagnetism.
A person in the field of electrical engineering is known as an electrical engineer, and they function in sectors such as electronics, electrical circuits, electromagnetics, power engineering, electrical machines, telecommunication, control systems, signal processing, optics, photonics
However, every electrical engineer has the technical knowledge, and management skills, and is able to come up with relevant designs for construction.
Fields of employment for electrical engineers include technology, science, exploration, military, industry, etc.
2. Computer Engineering
Computer engineering is a branch of electrical engineering that incorporates many areas of computer science and electronic engineering required to design computer hardware and software.
The occupation name for those in the field of computer engineering is a computer engineer and they function in sectors such as information technology, technology industry, and engineering industry.
Computer engineers are specialties in areas such as hardware engineering, software engineering, software programming, robotics, and networking.
However, computer engineers must have technical knowledge, and be skillful in hardware design, and software design.
Computer engineers are employed in fields such as science, technology, engineering, industry, computer, and exploration.
3. Telecommunication Engineering
Telecommunications Engineering is an engineering discipline centered on electrical and computer engineering to support and enhance telecommunication systems.
The work of a communication engineer ranges from basic circuit design to strategic mass developments.
Telecommunication engineers are known for providing high-speed data transmission services. They use a wide range of equipment and transport media to design the telecom network infrastructure.
Telecommunications engineers also come up with solutions revolving around wireless modes of communication and information transfer, such as wireless telephony services, radio and satellite communications, internet, Wi-Fi, and broadband technologies.
4. Chemical Engineering
Chemical engineering deals with the study of the operation and setup of chemical plants as well as methods of improving production.
Chemical engineers come up with economical commercial methods to transform raw materials into useful products.
Chemical engineering uses principles of chemistry, physics, mathematics, biology, and economics to properly use, produce, design, transport, and transform energy and materials.
The work of chemical engineers can vary from the usage of nanotechnology and nanomaterial in the laboratory to large-scale industrial processes that convert chemicals, raw materials, living cells, microorganisms, and energy into useful forms and products.
5. Mechanical Engineering
Mechanical engineering is one of the top engineering courses in Nigeria, it combines engineering physics and mathematics principles with materials science, to create, study, produce, and maintain mechanical systems.
It is one of the oldest and broadest of the engineering branches, and the occupation name for people in this field is Mechanical Engineer
However, the activity sectors of this engineering course are applied mechanics, dynamics, thermodynamics, fluid mechanics, heat transfer, production technology, etc.
Mechanical engineers are employed in fields such as technology, science, exploration, military, etc.
6. Civil Engineering
Civil engineering is one of the top engineering courses in Nigeria, it has to do with the design, construction, and maintenance of the physical and naturally built environment.
This field also has to do with the creation of amenities such as roads, bridges, canals, dams, airports, sewage systems, pipelines, structural components of buildings, and railways.
However, the different types of civil engineering include:
- Construction and Management Engineering.
- Geotechnical Engineering.
- Structural Engineering.
- Transport Engineering.
- Water Engineering.
- Environmental Engineering.
- Coastal Engineering.
- Earthquake Engineering
7. Mechatronics Engineering
Mechatronics, also called mechatronics engineering is one of the top engineering courses in Nigeria, it is a branch of engineering that concentrates on the integration of mechanical, electronic, and electrical engineering systems.
Mechatronics includes a combination of robotics, electronics, computer science, telecommunications, systems, control, and product engineering.
8. Petroleum Engineering
Petroleum engineering is also one of the top engineering courses in Nigeria, it is an engineering course involved in the production of hydrocarbons, which can be either crude oil or natural gas.
Petroleum engineers are relevant in the oil and gas industry, and petroleum engineering has from inception been one of the highest-paid engineering disciplines.
However, Petroleum Engineering requires a strong foundation in physics, chemistry, and mathematics.
However, other fields relevant to petroleum engineering include geology, formation evaluation, fluid flow in porous media, well drilling technology, economics, and geostatistics.
9. Mining Engineering
Mining in the engineering field has to do with the extraction of minerals from underneath, open pit, above, or on the ground.
Mining engineering encompasses other disciplines, such as mineral processing, exploration, excavation, geology, metallurgy, geotechnical engineering, and surveying
One of the ways to become a Mining Engineer includes a university or college degree. Mainly, training includes a Bachelor of Engineering (B.Eng. or B.E.).
10. Agricultural Engineering
Agricultural engineering, also known as agricultural and biosystems engineering, is one of the top engineering courses in Nigeria.
It is the field of study that has to do with the application of engineering science and design principles for agriculture purposes.
It integrates the different fields of mechanical, civil, electrical, food science, environmental, software, and chemical engineering to improve the growth of farms and agribusiness enterprises as well as to guarantee the sustainability of natural and renewable resources.
Those in the field of agricultural engineering are known as Agricultural Engineers or Biosystems engineers.
However, agricultural engineers are employed in areas such as Engineering, agribusiness, farming, etc.
That’s all on the top 10 engineering courses in Nigeria. Also, check out how to pass your cisco ccna certification.
I hope it helps you make the right choice of engineering course.