Welcome to the Department of Chemical Engineering
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Welcome to the exciting world of Chemical Engineering!

Almost everything you use in daily life – plastics, metals, textiles, paper, food and beverages, toiletries, cosmetics, and pharmaceuticals – have been made with the help of a chemical engineer. Chemical engineers are instrumental in the process of converting raw (and sometimes recycled) materials into finished products. This process is complex and involves research and development, design, construction, daily plant operation, and management.

Chemical Engineers take a unique view of processes – they have the capacity to consider processes which convert raw materials into useful products – both from an overall view, determining the economic feasibility of such conversion processes, but also from a very fundamental view, where the role and behaviour of specific components occurring in these processes are studied in detail.  

This is what makes Chemical Engineering unique and relevant. Chemical Engineering has been a key factor in enabling the transformation of crude oil, coal and gas into useful products – especially fuels and chemicals, in other words, the petrochemical industry, without which our daily lives, would be severely affected.  In addition, many chemical engineers are actively involved in synthesis, design and fabrication of electrochemical energy storage devices such as batteries, fuel cells and supercapacitors or ultracapacitors, etc., the minerals processing industry, where extraction of sought-after metals and other products in an economically feasible manner is the focus. Most interestingly, many of our graduates venture into the corporate banking and investment banking environment, where their abilities to analyze and synthase, taking economics into account, fit the requirements of this sector very well. 

More recently, the emphasis has been shifting towards development of special materials – an ever-increasing drive towards the production of stronger, lighter and cheaper materials (think of your cell phone and smartwatch). 

Add to this the fact that some of the world’s natural resources are being depleted and have to be replaced by other resources, preferably of renewable nature, in order to sustain growth and prosperity, while at the same time, it has become necessary to focus on the reduction of pollution and protecting our environment and developing processes sourced by renewable feedstocks.  

Lastly, by looking at nature, and how we can follow the example to use biotechnology to achieve our objectives, would complete the picture… for now. 

I trust that you will find Chemical Engineering as interesting, challenging and relevant as many others before you have.

Engr. Dr I. S. Ike

The Head, Department of Chemical Engineering

History

In October 1987, the Senate of the Federal University of Technology, Owerri approved the commencement of the Chemical Engineering Programme. In the same year, the programme was merged with Petroleum Engineering Programme to form the Department of Chemical and Petroleum Engineering with Dr I. A. Njiribeako (now Late Prof.  I. A. Njiribeako) as the first Head of Department (1987 – 1992). Dr B. Obah (now Prof. B. Obah)  became the second Head of Department (1992 – 1996), followed successively by Dr K. O. Okpala, (now Engr. Prof. K. O. Okpala) (1996 – 2000), Dr E. E. Effiong, (now Prof. E. E. Effiong) (2000 – 2002), Prof. O. P. Nwammuo (late) (2002 – 2004), Engr. Dr K. B. Oyoh (Now Engr. Prof. K. B. Oyoh) (2004 – 2008), Dr O. C. Ndukwe (now Prof. O. C. Ndukwe) (2008 – 2011), Engr. Prof. K. B. Oyoh (2011 – 2012), Engr. Dr M. S. Nwakaudu (now Engr. Prof. M.S. Nwakaudu) (2012 – 2015), Engr. Dr E. O. Onyelucheya (2015 – 2017) and Engr. Dr. (Mrs)  F. L. Kamen (2017 – 2019). The current Head of Department is Engr. Dr I. S. Ike (2019). The Chemical Engineering Programme graduated its first set of students during the 1992/93 Session.

Having consolidated in the Undergraduate Programme, the Department started the Master of Engineering (M.Eng) and Doctor of Philosophy (PhD) Programmes in 1997/98 session, offering courses and providing facilities for research in the following areas of Chemical Engineering:

  1. Chemical Reaction Engineering
  2. Process plant design (Computer Aided)
  3. Modelling, Simulation and Optimization of Processes
  4. Separation Processes
  5. Refinery Engineering
  6. Chemical Engineering Thermodynamics
  7. Systems Dynamics and Control
  8. Electrochemical Energy Storage Systems

Our Vision

Our team of academic, technical and support staff are committed to the vision to maintain and build its reputation as a world-leading hub of knowledge and development in the fields of Chemical Engineering in Nigeria, Africa and beyond, and to render excellent and outstanding service to our students. This is perfectly in line with the University’s mantra, “Driving the Culture of Excellence”.

The Department of Chemical Engineering at FUTO aims to educate students in modern process engineering principles and prepare them for lifelong professional growth and a dynamic range of careers.

We boast staff who are experts in various field of engineering and, apart from being committed lecturers, are also actively involved in cutting edge research activities that span a range of areas in Chemical and Materials Engineering.

Our approach is to integrate the fundamentals of science and the principles of process engineering into multi-disciplinary teaching and research programmes aimed at producing world-class graduates and internationally competitive research.

Undergraduate and postgraduate programmes promote student learning and development, with staff providing a caring and supportive environment. Our programmes are fully accredited with the National University Commission (NUC) and the Council of Regulation of Engineering in Nigeria (COREN). As a result, our graduates are highly sought after and occupy key positions in leading companies.

Our multi-disciplinary postgraduate research programmes are aimed primarily at benefiting the process industries, specialist technology firms, business and service sectors.

The Department is committed to maintaining world-class standards of academic excellence and to preserving our core values of scholarship, professionalism and integrity. We firmly believe that our profession must continue to find ways to improve the quality of life of all Nigerians.

Goals of the Department

Producing highly trained graduates for the process industries, specialist technology firms, business and service sectors.

Being a preferred provider of research for our stakeholders by conducting multidisciplinary research programmes within an integrated research portfolio.

Employing quality staff who reflect the diversity of our country.

Providing first-rate facilities for education and research.

Promoting our programmes and achievements.

Career Opportunities

Chemical engineers work in many different and exciting fields. Whatever your interest, a FUTO chemical engineering degree will assure you of a rewarding career.

Chemical engineers work in many different and exciting workplaces – not only in the expected settings of the petrochemical and mining industries, but also in a wide variety of process-based disciplines, such as the food, beverage, paint, and pharmaceutical industries. 

Drawing on the problem-solving skills that are central to the discipline, many CEOs of large companies have combined chemical engineering with a business-related qualification, such as an MBA. Much more work in niche consultancies or run their own businesses. There are also endless opportunities for research and development.

Academic Staff

  1. Engr. Prof. (Mrs.) K. B. Oyoh, Professor, BSc MSc PhD, Petrochemical Processes and Environmental Engineering
  2. Prof. E. E. Effiong, Professor, BSc MSc PhD, Chemical Process Simulation Optimization and Control
  3. Prof. O. C. Ndukwe, Professor, BSc MSc PhD, Applied Thermodynamics/Equilibrium studies for separation processes
  4. Engr. Prof. M. S. Nwakaudu, Professor, BSc MSc PhD, Polymer and Petrochemical Engineering
  5. Engr. Dr. C. I. O. Kamalu, Associate Professor, BEng MEng PhD, Mathematical Modeling & Simulation and Energy Engineering
  6. Engr. Dr. (Mrs.) F. L. Kamen, Associate Professor, BEng MEng PhD, Chemical Kinetics and Reaction Engineering
  7. Engr. Dr. O. E. Onyelucheya, Associate Professor, BEng MEng PhD, Separation Processes, Transport Phenomena and Environmental Engineering
  8. Engr. Dr. A. C. Orga, Senior Lecturer, BEng MEng PhD, Mathematical Modeling Simulation and Optimization
  9. Engr. Dr. I. S. Ike, Senior Lecturer, BEng MEng MSc PhD, Chemical Process Modeling & Simulation and Electrochemical Systems
  10. Engr. Dr. (Mrs.) I. C. Ekeke, Senior Lecturer, BEng MTech PhD, Mathematical Modelling and Simulation of Chemical Processes
  11. Engr. Dr. E. C. Osoka, Senior Lecturer, BEng MEng PhD, Mathematical Modeling Simulation and Control
  12. Mr. C. A. Okwara, Lecturer 1, BEng MSc, Biochemical Engineering
  13. Dr. F. N. Uzondu, Lecturer 1, BSc MSc PhD, Process Design
  14. Engr. P. I. Oghome, Lecturer 1, BEng MSc PhD (in progress), Chemical Kinetics and Reaction Engineering
  15. Engr. S. O. Olubiyi, Lecturer 1, BSc MSc PhD (in progress), Biochemical Engineering
  16. Mr. A. C. Nkwocha, Lecturer 1, BTech MEng PhD (in progress), Pollution & Waste Management, and Food & Bioprocess Engineering
  17. Engr. O. C. Nkuzinna, Lecturere 1, BEng MEng PhD (in progress), Corrosion Inhibition
  18. Engr. (Mrs.) C. M. Onyelucheya, Lecturer 2, BEng MTech MEng PhD (in progress), Renewable energy, Biofuels and Waste Conversion
  19. Engr. M. O. Anusi, Lecturer 2, BEng MEng PhD (in progress), Membrane Separation Systems
  20. Engr. N. Igboko, Lecturer 2, BEng MEng PhD (in progress), Modelling, Thermodynamics
  21. Engr. (Mrs.) O. E. Okoligwe, Lecturer II, BEng MEng PhD (in progress), Renewable energy and Biofuels
  22. Dr. C. N. Njoku, Lecturer 2, BEng MEng PhD, Materials Science and Engineering
  23. Mr. J. Ebonka, Assistant Lecturer, BEng MEng PhD (in progress), Petrochemical Engineering
  24. Engr S. O. Anyikwa, Assiatant Lecturer, BEng MSc PhD (in progress), Environmental management & Water Resources
  25. Engr. J. C. Obijiaku, Assistant Lecturer, BEng MEng PhD (in progress), Predictive Mathematical Modelling & Optimization, and Biomaterials & Environmental Engineering
  26. Mr. B. C. Ngolube, Assistant Lecturer, BEng MEng PhD (in progress), Chemical Engineering Process Design
  27. Engr. (Mrs.) A. E. Ahizi, Assistant Lecturer, BEng MEng PhD (in progress), Water Treatment and Corrosion Control
  28. Mr. H. C. Uzoma, Assistant Lecturer, BEng MSc PhD (in progress), Environmental Engineering
  29. Mrs. M. C. Udoye, Assistant Lecturer, BEng MEng, Environmental Engineering and Corrosion Control
  30. Engr. C. Nzeoma, Assistant Lecturer, BEng MEng PhD (in progress), Corrosion Control/Engineering and Refinery Engineering
  31. Mr. I. K. Madu, Graduate Assistant, BEng MSE PhD (in progress), Material Science and Engineering

Technologists

  1. Engr. Dr. V. O. Egwu, Chief Technologist, BEng MEng PhD
  2. Engr. G. U. Owo, Senior Technologist, BEng
  3. Mrs. G. E. Nnamdi-Ogueke, Technologist 1, BEng MSc, Environmental Sustainability
  4. Mr. J. C. Emereole, Technologist 1, BEng
  5. Mr. A. Ugwuokolie, Technologist 1, BEng
  6. Mr. K. C. Aghalu, Technologist 1, HND
  7. Mrs. C. F. Iroanya, Technologist 1, BEng
  8. Mr.  L. K. Saleeman, Technologist 2, BEng
  9. Miss. C. V. Nwabueze, Technologist 2, BEng MSc (in progress), Biomedical Engineering
  10. Mr. K. C. Ezechukwu, Technologist 2, BEng, Environmental Pollution – Safety and Hazards
  11. Mr. J. O. Ogbuka, Technologist 2, HND
  12. Mrs. D. I. Obiekwe, Technologist 2, HND
  13. Miss N. P. Ukpabi, Technologist 2, BEng

Administrative Staff

  1. Mrs. C. U. Dialah, Principal Assistant Registrar, BSc
  2. Mrs. C. J. Ezeji, Principal Personal Secretary, OND BSc
  3. Mrs. R. U. Okparaocha, Chief Secretarial Assistant, GCE
  4. Miss R. C. Oguguo, Higher Executive Officer, HND
  5. Miss H. C. Uwaezuoke, Clerical Officer, SSCE
  6. Miss J. K. Ogbonnaya, Clerical Officer, SSCE

Undergraduate Course Outline

100 Level Courses

1st Semester  
CourseCodeUnit
BIOLOGY FOR AGRICULTURE AND BIOLOGICAL SCIENCE IBIO 101/103
GENERAL CHEMISTRY ICHM 101
ENGINEERING DRAWINGENG 103
INTRODUCTION TO FRENCHFRN 101
USE OF ENGLISH IGST 101
INTRODUCTION TO IGBO GRAMMARIGB 101
ELEMENTARY MATHEMATICS IMTH 101
GENERAL PHYSICS IPHY 101
2nd Semester
CourseCodeUnit
BIOLOGY FOR AGRICULTURE AND BIOLOGICAL SCIENCE IIBIO 102/104
GENERAL CHEMISTRY IICHM 102
ENGINEERING DRAWING IIENG 104
FRENCH LANGUAGE IIFRN 102
SOCIAL SCIENCE IGST 108
SCIENCE, ENGINEERING AND TECHNOLOGY IN SOCIETYGST 110
IGBO LANGUAGE IIIGB 102
ELEMENTARY MATHEMATICS IIMTH 102
GENERAL PHYSICS IIPHY 102

200 Level Courses

1st Semester  
CourseCodeUnit
COMPUTER APPLICATIONS ICSC 201
WORKSHOP PRACTICE IIIENG 201
ENGINEERING DRAWING IIIENG 203
INTRODUCTION TO ENGINEERING MATERIALS IENG 207
ENGINEERING THERMODYNAMICSENG 209
ENGINEERING MECHANICSENG 213
ENGINEERS IN SOCIETYENG 217
ELEMENTARY DIFFRENTIAL EQUATIONS IMTH 203
STATISTICSMTH 211
2nd Semester
CourseCodeUnit
ORGANIC CHEMISTRY IICHM 204
WORKSHOP PRACTICE IVENG 206
INTRODUCTION TO ENGINEERING MATERIALS IIENG 208
ENGINEERING ECONOMYENG 212
COMPUTER PROGRAMMING FOR ENGINEERING APPLICATIONENG 214
ENGINEERING MECHANICS IIENG 224
BIO MATERIALS-2ENG 226
SECOND YEAR LONG VACATION SIWESSIW 200

300 Level Courses

1st Semester  
CourseCodeUnit
INDUSTRIAL STUDIES IENG 301
STRENGTH OF MATERIALS IENG 305
ENGINEERING MATHEMATICS IENG 307
ENGINEERING WRITING AND PRESENTATIONENG 317
2nd Semester
CourseCodeUnit
ENGINEERING MATHEMATICS IIENG 308
INDUSTRIAL STUDIES IIENG 314
LONG VACATION SIWESSIWES

400 Level Courses

1st Semester
2nd Semester

400 Level Courses

1st Semester
2nd Semester

Our Academic Programme

The students are expected to spend a total of five years to obtain the B. Eng. (Chemical Engineering) Degree. The programme structure is as follows:

  1. First-year: Common University Courses which include the basic sciences of Mathematics, Physics, Chemistry and Biology, the basic engineering courses of Engineering Drawing and Workshop Practice and general studies/ courses of Use of English and Social Sciences. These are accomplished through the formal University lectures, practical, assignments and examinations.
  2. Second-year: Common School of Engineering Courses of the second year. These courses are accomplished through the formal University lectures, practicals, tutorials, assignments and examinations. It is also followed by a three month industrial attachment period during the long vacation (SIWES 200).
    • The Chemical Engineering Programme Courses actually start in the second semester of the second year with CHE 202-Introduction to Chemical Engineering.
  3. Third-year: Common School of Engineering Courses and 300 level Chemical Engineering core courses. These are accomplished through formal University lectures, tutorials, practicals, assignments and examinations. It is also followed by a three-month industrial attachment period during the long vacation (SIWES 300).
  4. Fourth-year: 400 level core Chemical Engineering Courses are studied through the formal University lectures, tutorials, practicals, assignments and examinations during the first semester period, and in the second semester a four-month industrial attachment (SIWES 400). Another two-month industrial attachment (SIWES 401) is also undertaken during the long vacation. 
  5. Fifth-year: 500 level core Chemical Engineering Courses which come in the form of specialization courses, experimental and design projects, include electives which tend to broaden the technological base of the programme. These are also accomplished through the formal University lectures, tutorials, practicals, assignments and examinations. A final year B. Eng Thesis is submitted and defended by each graduating student.

Entry Requirements

  • UME Entry Requirements: 5 credit passes in SC/GCE/SSCE including Mathematics, Chemistry, Physics and English in not more than two sittings.
  • Direct Entry: Holders of National Diploma (ND) Certificates with a minimum of upper credit passes are eligible for admission into Second Year. Holders of Higher National Diploma (HND) with a minimum of Upper credit passes may be admitted into year three depending on the appropriateness of their required academic preparation. In addition, the applicant must meet the UME entry requirements specified above.

Nigerian Society of Chemical Engineers (NSChE), Students’ Chapter

Chemical Engineering Building

Federal University of Technology, P M B 1526, Owerri

Website: www.futo.edu.ng

Email: chemicaleng@futo.edu.ng

Mobile: +234(0)8037081093

Engr. Dr Innocent Sunday Ike

Senior Lecturer and Acting Head, Department of Chemical Engineering
B.Eng. Chem. Eng., M.Eng. Chem. Eng., M.Sc. Mathematics, PhD Chem. Eng.

Email: innocent.ike@futo.edu.ng

 

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