UNIVERSITIES OF TECHNOLOGY IN NIGERIA

WHAT ARE THE UNIVERSITIES OF TECHNOLOGY IN NIGERIA

   These are higher institutions of learning specializing in the research, development, propagation of technology education.

Universities of technology in Nigeria are devoted to instructing/educating students on technology disciplines.

Hence universities of technology deal with technology and technology related disciplines.

  Generally, most schools of technology offer programs in technology and or engineering technology, physical and applied sciences and engineering. They are similar to polytechnics and other colleges of technology but differ in certificates awarded and length of training plus course contents.

What is Technology?

  From a scientific perspective, it is the application of scientific knowledge to solve basic and complex human problems and needs.

 It can also be defined as the applied process(es) and activities geared towards manipulating resources(energy, material, capital ,human) to achieve a goal or desired outcome.

Generally, technology is the totality of all skills, methods and techniques used in the creation of utility and or accomplishing various tasks or objectives.

 Some areas of technology; nanotechnology, communication technology, biotechnology, transportation technology, biomedical technology, lab technology, glass and ceramic technology, aerospace technology, nuclear technology, environmental technology, sports technology, office technology, green and solar technology, construction technology etc.

In the science domain, all technologies are rooted in the principles of pure and physical sciences (chemistry, physics) and mathematical science. Thus students of technology and related disciplines acquire knowledge in the aforementioned areas.

Physical science

 This is the area of science dealing with the scientific study of physical inanimate objects/materials, energy and their properties in the universe.

It includes physics, astronomy, geology, chemistry, climatology and meteorology.

Applied science

 This is the application of existing theories and laws of the empirical science for practical uses. It is the application of scientific knowledge to create, convert/modify man’s immediate resources for specific objectives. Applied sciences aim at creating inventions, innovations and technology.

Applied sciences, engineering and technology are inseparable fields.

Some applied sciences are listed below;

·         Material science

·         Food science

·         Environmental science

·         Optometry

·         Military science

·         Applied physics

·         Electronics

·         Space science etc

Difference between technology and engineering

In our normal society, one may not be shocked to know that the two terms are intricately interwoven. But in reality, they are different and have their own functions and roles.

According to the Engineering Council for Professional Development, USA, Engineering is the creative application of scientific principles to design or develop structures, machines, apparatus or manufacturing processes or works utilizing them singly or in combination; or to construct or operate the same with full cognizance of their design; or to forecast their behavior under specific operating conditions; all as respects an intended function, economics of operation and safety to life and property.

  On the other hand, technology is the skills, tools and techniques derived from scientific knowledge and directed to practical ventures.

Neither engineering nor technology can thrive without the other in our modern society.

In simple terms, engineering deals with designing things making use of science knowledge and concepts while technology is the sum total of all developed methods and tools used to accomplish a task or objective. Not all technology comes directly from pure sciences e.g. Accounting Technology, management technology, media technology etc. Some technological endeavors require minimal to little knowledge of the natural sciences, Viz ; molding, casting, sculpture, drawing, beads and basket making, forestry, subsistence fishing, sanitation, etc.

  Furthermore, engineering can be stated as a design process with emphasis on the optimum conversion of resources for human use relying on properties of materials, modeling and predicting of their behaviors under specific conditions incorporated with innovative/creative ideas to create and find solutions to problems and needs.

 Hence engineering is design-based while technology is based on methods, processes and skills.

Both professionals have strong foundation in maths, science, engineering and design principles

Some Universities of Technology in Nigeria

1.       Federal University of Technology, Owerri

2.       Federal University of Technology, Akure

3.       Federal university of Technology, Minna

4.       Federal University of Petroleum Resources, Effurun

5.       Bells University of Technology(first private university of technology

6.       Moshoode Abiola University of Science and Technology

7.       Modibo Adama University of Technology, Yola

8.       Rivers State University of Science and Technology

9.       Abubakar Tafawa Belewa University, Bauchi

10.   Ladoke AkintolaUniversity of Technology, Ogbomosho

11.   Enugu State University of Science and Technology, Enugu

12.   Ondo State University of Science and Technology, Okitipupa

Some courses offered in these universities of technology;

HEALTH

·        Biomedical technology

·        Optometry

·        Dental technology

·        Public health technology

·        Pharmaceutical technology

·        Prosthesis and orthopedic technology

·        Medical laboratory technology

AGRIC

·        Food science technology

·        Fisheries and aquaculture technology

·        Animal science and technology

·        Horticulture

·        Soil science and technology

·        Agric technology and education

·        Crop production

·        Agronomy

·        Forestry and wildlife technology

·        Animal production

·        Agriculture

·        Crop science and technology

Applied science

·        Applied microbiology

·        Applied chemistry

·        Applied biochemistry

·        Applied geology

·        Applied botany

·        Applied geophysics

·        Applied biology

·        Applied physics

·        Industrial physics

·        Industrial chemistry

·        Electronics

·        Architecture

·        Pure and applied mathematics

·        Quantity surveying and geo-informatics

·        Building

·        Science laboratory technology

Engineering

·        Computer engineering

·        Civil engineering

·        Electrical-electronics engineering

·        Agricultural engineering

·        Petroleum engineering

·        Chemical engineering

·        Mechanical engineering

·        Mechatronics engineering

·        Metallurgical and materials engineering

·        Telecommunication engineering

·        Agric and bio-resource engineering

·        Agric and environmental engineering

·        Polymer and textile engineering

Natural & physical sciences

·        Geology

·        Physics

·        Geology and mining

·        Meteorology

·        Computer science

·        Geography

·        Marine science and technology

·        Climatology

·        Atmospheric science

Education

·        Construction technology education

·        Technical education

·        Agric technology education

·        Technical and vocational education

·        Industrial education technology

Management/Administration

·        Project management technology

·        Management technology

·        Accounting technology

·        Transport management technology

·        Estate management

·        Library and information technology

·        Urban and regional planning

Others are Cyber-security science, industrial design, operations research, information technology, fine and applied arts, information and media technology engineering etc.

The cooperative partnership of engineers, engineering technologists and technicians transforms the engineering process from concepts and design to reality. In the engineering process, an engineer is responsible for the research, analysis, design and development of the potentially, human-benefitting ideas

 The main task of the technologist is to bring the engineer’s feasible ideas into physical reality.

  Technologists may carry out functions as related to testing, evaluation, production, technical analysis, distribution and sales.

Thus, a technologist applies engineering principles in a perceivable manner. The engineering technologists are professionals trained in certain aspects of the development and implementation of a respective are of technology. It is more applied and less theoretical than engineering.

 Hence, engineering technology is the practical application of science and engineering to wide range real world problems. It is also referred to as the practical applications arm of engineering. It emphasizes problem solving with lab and technical skills.

  On the other hand, the engineer’s skills are largely conceptual requiring an understanding of mathematics and design principles.

 Engineering technologists study more of applied sciences and practical mathematics. It is important to note that they study more through hands-on-training as opposed to theory. Areas of engineering technology are tied to engineering areas as well. Bellow is few areas;

Architectural engineering technology

Civil engineering technology

Petroleum engineering technology

Aeronautic engineering technology

Mechanical engineering technology

Electromechanical engineering technology

Electrical engineering technology

                       What about the Technicians?

  The technician roles are to ensure that the entire projects continue moving forward and machines employed in the processes are functional. The engineering technician is trained basically trained in the skills and techniques that are related to a specialized aspect of engineering with a firm understanding of the applicable practicalities of the engineering subject.

They can be seen:

·        Explaining instrument treading

·        Producing technical drawings

·        Servicing and repairs

·        Assisting in engineering implementation and operations

·        Aid in engineering research and development

·        Working in quality control by checking products, carrying out tests and collection of data

In summary, engineers create designs, technologists apply those designs in real life while technicians keep the technology working through an entire process