Mechanical engineering is the discipline that applies engineering, physics, and materials science principles to design, analyze, manufacture, and maintain mechanical systems. It is one of the oldest and broadest of the engineering disciplines.
Mechanical engineering is the study, analysis, design, production and maintenance of objects and systems in motion. It is one of the oldest and broadest engineering disciplines in the world. Mechanical engineering applies principles from mathematics, physics(motion, energy and force) and chemistry (materials sciences) to design and manufacture products that are high in quality, safe and economical.
Mechanical engineering is a diverse subject that derives its breadth from the need to design and manufacture everything from small individual parts and devices (e.g., microscale sensors and inkjet printer nozzles) to large systems (e.g., spacecraft and machine tools).
Scope of Mechanical Engineering
Mechanical engineers learn about materials, solid and fluid mechanics, thermodynamics, heat transfer, control, instrumentation, design, and manufacturing to understand mechanical systems. Specialized mechanical engineering subjects include biomechanics, cartilage-tissue engineering, energy conversion, laser-assisted materials processing, combustion, MEMS, microfluidic devices, fracture mechanics, nanomechanics, mechanisms, micropower generation, tribology (friction and wear), and vibrations.
The foundation of mechanical engineering lies primarily in physics, mathematics and chemistry, a strong background in the basic subjects is vital if students want to understand advanced mechanical engineering concepts in college and further. The core subjects within mechanical engineering are: thermodynamics and fluids, solid mechanics, dynamics and controls, and manufacturing. Mechanical engineering has a lot in common with other engineering disciplines like chemical engineering (heat transfer being a common subject) and civil engineering (such as engineering mechanics, structural mechanics and fluid mechanics).
Skills and Competencies that You Might Need
A mechanical engineering combines mathematics, science, technology, business and management. To succeed as a Mechanical Engineer you need to have the following skills:
- Ability to solve problems using both logic and creative and innovative approaches
- Highly computer and numerate literate
- Excellent analytical skills
- Ability to plan and prioritise
- Ability to work to deadlines
- Ability to work under pressure
- Cost/value-conscious and aware of the necessary social, cultural, environmental, health and safety, and wider professional responsibilities
- Capable of careful attention to detail, exercising good judgement and accepting responsibility
- Ability to in multidisciplinary teams
- Good communication skills
Career Opportunities for Mechanical Engineering Graduates
There is high demand for skilled mechanical engineers in Nigeria and all over the world. Mechanical engineers are required in manufacturing industries like automobiles, aviation, etc. Mechanical engineers are also sought in fields such as nano-technology, biomedical engineering, energy conservation and more.
Mechanical engineers find jobs in the following sectors: manufacturing, automotive, automobile, aerospace, pharmaceuticals, biomedical, computers and electronics, construction, sports, railyway, oil and gas, energy, power, environmental control, robotics etc.
Salary Structure for Mechanical Engineers in Nigeria
An entry level mechanical engineer can earn between 40,000 Naira – to 250,000 Naira depending on the organization. The salary differs as per the industry and the level of the company, Some salary packages often vary based on your skills, experience, expertise and the nature of roles and responsibilities you handle.
Skilled and very experienced mechanical engineering professionals can earn salary of over 500,000 Naira per month. This can be much higher in multinationals.
Admission Requirements for Studying Mechanical Engineering in Nigeria
The admission requirements for studying Mechanical Engineering in Nigeria. For most high institutions in Nigeria, to study Mechanical Engineering as a course, you need to meet specific academic requirements. Candidates seeking admission through the Jamb are required to have five credit level passes in the Senior Secondary Certificate Examination (S.S.C.E.) or its equivalent. These should include Physics, Chemistry, Mathematics, English Language and any other Science subject. Some schools accept a pass in English Language.
For Jamb UTME, English Language, Mathematics, Physics and Chemistry are required. Please check Jamb brochure for requirements for each school.
SOME INSTITUTIONS WHERE YOU CAN STUDY MECHANICAL ENGINEERING
- • Abia State University • Abubakar Tafawa Balewa University • Adekunle Ajasin University • Adeleke University • Afe Babalola University • Ahmadu Bello University • Akwa Ibom State University • Anambra State University • Bayero University Kano • Bells University of Technology • Caritas University • City Gate Institute of Innovation and Technology • Covenant University • Cross River State University of Technology • Delta State University • Ebonyi State University • Ekiti State University • Elizade University • Enugu State University of Science and Technology • Federal College of Agriculture, Akure • Federal University Gashua • Federal University Gusau • Federal University of Agriculture, Makurdi • Federal University of Petroleum Resource • Federal University of Technology Akure • Federal University of Technology Minna • Federal University of Technology, Owerri • Federal University, Birnin Kebbi • Federal University, Dutse • Federal University, Dutsin-ma • Federal University, Kashere • Federal University, Lafia • Federal University, Lokoja • Federal University, Ndufu-alike • Federal University, Otuoke • Federal University, Oye-ekiti • Federal University, Wukari • Igbinedion University • Imo State University • Kano University of Science and Technology • Kebbi State University of Science and Technology • Kwara State University • Ladoke Akintola University of Technology • Lagos State University • Michael Okpara University of Agriculture, Umudike • Niger Delta University • Nnamdi Azikiwe University • Ondo State University of Science and Technology • Petroleum Training Institute • Rivers State University of Science and Technology • University of Abuja • University of Benin • University of Calabar • University of Ibadan • University of Ilorin • University of Jos • University of Lagos • University of Maiduguri • University of Nigeria • University of Port-Harcourt • University of Science and Technology, Ifaki-ekiti • University of Uyo • Wesley University of Science and Technology • Yaba College of Technology
