By Austin Archibong

(University of Ilorin)

The term ‘engineering’ has been around for a very long time now; basically, it involves application of science and technical know-how to solve the inexhaustible problems of man. Chemical engineering is a branch of engineering (aside civil, mechanical, electrical, material science, aeronautical, petroleum etc) that uses the basics of engineering, applies science, ideals of safety, the principles of mathematics and economics to process raw materials to more useful forms as well as leading the search for new and better quality materials. It is a professional programme and with great prospect in this modern age. This  discipline is concerned with the design, construction, and management of units in which the essential processes consist of chemical reactions.

Though Obafemi Awolowo University (OAU) was the first university to start the chemical engineering programme in Nigeria, it has grown to become an almost regular course in most Nigerian universities and polytechnics. Even the current Vice Chancellor of the University of Lagos is a graduate of this revered course; Professor R.A. Bello, though he had a brief stint in politics and petroleum engineering, not rare as most chemical engineers are very versatile. Seyi Olofinjana, Nigerian footballer, despite his passion for football studied chemical engineering at LAUTECH. On a global scale, General Ray Davis, a recipient of U.S medal of honour graduated from Georgia State of Technology studying Chemical Engineering. These are just a few of great individuals who studied this outstanding course. Look around, I’m sure you would find someone who also has.

George E. Davis is usually regarded as the founding father of chemical engineering; after graduating from the royal school of mines (now imperial college, London), he worked as a chemist. He was however shot to limelight when he wrote the first major chemical engineering book; a handbook of chemical engineering. He went on to give lectures that later defined the discipline. This went on to spark off many chemical engineering programmes. The George E. Davis medal of the institution of chemical engineers (IChemE) is named in his honour.

Usual university requirements in Nigeria

At least five credit pass in English Language, mathematics, chemistry, physics and biology at SSCE is required usually.  Occasionally, pass in further mathematics might be added (only in some schools, though the importance cannot be over-emphasized). Same requirements for polytechnics; with the ND earned, a direct entry into 200 level in most universities is also very feasible.

Considering the high number of applicants year in-year out, only a high score at UME will put you at a better advantage. In the Faculty of engineering of most schools, it is one of the most sought after considering the prospect and prestige upon successful completion.

Branches and career opportunities

The opportunities inherent are awesome, just as economics is broad-based, and allows for upward specialization as an accountant upon qualification, so is chemical engineering. Moving on to specialize in petroleum engineering is also common. In fact, a more preferable option for many. Indeed, chemical engineering has a broad-base. Worthy of note is that it is one of the highest paying profession in the world.

The UK chemical engineering salaries has been rising by 30% over the last decade. Chemical engineers earn more on average than other types of engineers and pure scientists.

Courtesy: IChemE

From process safety to biochemical engineering, environmental engineering, process control and optimization, polymer technology, crude oil refining, heat and mass transfer, nanotechnology, the career opportunities are countless. All of these can be carried out in different capacities: Research and development(R&D), field engineering, management positions amongst others. It is an exciting discipline and the best choice you could ever make. Yes, it is challenging; you need to think of the economics of the process, energy and the resources at all times, involves non-ending training and re-training, continuous improvements as chemical engineers are never satisfied, but it is rewarding.

Quote on chemical engineering

• “Chemical      engineering has always sounded the most ‘coolest’ of all engineering      disciplines. If all the engineering fields were modern-day equivalents of      sorcery and wizardry, chemical engineers would have a upper hand of them      all.”
• “Chemical      engineering is the marriage of industrial chemistry and mechanical      engineering. When a chemical engineer speaks the engineering of chemistry      to an industrial chemist, he leaves him drooled, when he educates the      mechanical engineer on the chemistry of engineering, he gets an      ovation.”

Professional bodies

Institution of Chemical engineers (IChemE) – worldwide body, AIChE (American Institute of Chemical engineers), and NSChE (Nigerian Society of Chemical Engineers) are examples of common professional bodies of a chemical engineer. Though irrespective of your discipline, as an engineer in Nigeria, you would be required to register with Nigerian Society of Engineers (NSE) and COREN (Council For the Regulation Of Engineering in Nigeria) to practice.

P.S: Note the spellings of the professional bodies, as those are the standards.

References:

• http://en.m.wikipedia.org/wiki/Outline_of      chemical_engineering
• http://www.ceb.cam.ac.uk/pages/why-study-chemical-engineering.html
• http://www.whynotchemeng.com
• Nairaland      Forum and the department of chemical engineering, University of Ilorin.

If you want to tell us about your course/career, you’re welcome. Your contribution will be pusblished if it meets our standard.

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