Ceramics Technology

DEPARTMENT OF CERAMIC AND GLASS TECHNOLOGY 

AKANU IBIAM FEDERAL POLYTECHNIC, UNWANA

 

3.0     HISTORY OF THE DEPARTMENT 

The department of Ceramic and Glass Technology started in the year 1991 as a result of Federal Government’s policy to promote the study of silicate Technology in Nigeria. For a start, the Department was located in the IBB Technology Building of the institution which was made up of ordinary classrooms. The academic staff strength was only three with Rev. A.I. Ukakegbe as the pioneer Head of Department (H.O.D.)

Sequel to the above policy, the Federal Government acquired equipment for the Department from RATCLIFFE, STROKE-ON-TRENT, United Kingdom through the World Bank. The installation of the equipment commenced in 1992 at the IBB building.

In 1993, after the first resource inspection, NBTE found that premises inappropriate and suggested relocation to a more suitable environment. Consequently, a new building was erected for the department, equipment re-installed and commissioned in March, 2000.

The department underwent three different resource inspections by NBTE and was finally granted approval to admit National Diploma in 2002/2003 academic session. The pioneer ND students were seven (7) in number, out of which six graduated. Hence, the department was granted initial accreditation for National Diploma by NBTE with effect from 2004.

 

In July 2011, the department also underwent another rigorous resource inspection by NBTE and was finally granted approval to start Higher National Diploma (HND) programme in Ceramic Technology in 2011/2012 academic session. Thereafter, the department admitted thirteen (13) pioneer HND students and ten (10) graduated in record time with a DISTINCTION result recorded.

In January, 2014, the department while still retaining the old building, relocated the H.O.D.’s office to SIP block B containing three standard classrooms, two lecturer’s offices and an expansive workshop building.

Due to awareness campaigns, advancement in knowledge and the realization of the importance of CERAMIC TECHNOLOGY in national development, student population of the department is increasing from one academic session to another.

 

 

3.1     AIMS/GOALS OF THE DEPARTMENT 

1. The department is designed to produce Technicians and Technologists equipped with the knowledge and skill required in various aspects of Ceramic and Glass industries, and related industries such as iron, steel, cement, etc.
2. The department aims at producing Technicians and Technologists that can be self-employed and self-reliant, and who can also fit into both the public and private sectors in Nigeria and beyond.

 

3.2       OBJECTIVES OF THE DEPARTMENT 

The ND and HND diplomats of the department on completion of their courses should be able to:

1. Identify the raw materials suitable for ceramic and glass production.
2. Carry out effectively the production of basic ceramic wares;

• Identify fabricate, operate and service the machines and equipment used for ceramic body

and glass production;

1. Formulate Ceramic body and glass recipes;
2. Carry out researches in various areas of ceramic and glass technology.

 

3.3     ENTRY REQUIREMENTS

 

3.3.1    National Diploma (ND) Programme 

1. Five (5) credit level passes at Senior School Certificate Examination (SSCE), NECO or its equivalent at not more than TWO SITTINGS.

The five subjects must include: Mathematics, Physics and Chemistry, and ANY TWO of the following subjects: English Language, Agricultural Science, Biology, Geography, Economics, Technical Drawing and Fine Arts. At an exceptional case, a pass in English may be accepted.

 

1. Pass in the Polytechnic Pre-National Diploma Programme in Ceramic Technology.

 

3.3.2    Higher National Diploma (HND) Programme

1. Candidate for HND in Ceramic Technology are admitted directly by the Polytechnic through an organized internal screening examination;
2. The candidates must possess the above stipulated O’ level requirements for ND candidates;

iii.        The candidates must possess a National Diploma (ND) in Ceramic           Technology, Glass Technology, Materials & Metallurgical Engineering or Materials Science and Engineering with CGPA of not less than 2.50;

1. The candidates must have at least one year (12 months) industrial attachment experience in Ceramics or Glass or Materials Science & Engineering related environment.

3.4     Job Opportunities for Graduands of the Department

The area of solid minerals in Nigeria is still a virgin ground and unexplored owing to the fact that Nigeria is endowed with unending quantities of Limestone, Gypsum, Silica, Kaolin, etc.

 

Graduates and diplomats of Ceramic and Glass Technology Department can be self-employed and can also be employed in public and private sectors such as:

(i)        Ceramic and Glass Producing industries;

(ii)       Iron and Steel (Metallurgical) industries;

(iii)      Academic and Research institutions as Lecturers, Technologists and Researchers;

(iv)      Ministries and Parastatals such as Solid mineral, Science & Technology, Power & Steel, etc.

(v)       Oil and Gas industries;

(vi)      Petroleum Refinery,

(vii)     Cement Production

(viii)    Consultancy Services, etc.

 

3.5     List of past Heads of the Department

 The following is the list of former heads of the department

1. A.I. Ukakegbe (pioneer Head)
2. H. O. Eke
3. A. A. Ossai
4. S. C Nwobodo
5. E. O. Nwabineli
6. I. O. Odewale

 

 

Signed

 

Dr. A. C. Iyasara

 Present Head of Department