1.0 Information about Department
The Agricultural & Bio – Environmental Engineering Department is designed to train students to possess the necessary skills that are needed in mechanized agriculture, rural living, processing of farm products and other allied activities that enhances environmental preservation and the total welfare of the people.
1.2 Goals and Objectives of the Programme
1.2.1 Goals The programme is designed to:
a) provide a thorough foundation in the basic Physical Sciences, applied Agricultural Sciences and of Engineering fundamentals
b) teach students the basic scientific principles in solving the technological problems of agricultural and food production by providing them instructions in analysis, development, design and practical works in the various disciplines of agricultural engineering and mechanization;
c) train the students to acquire the capacity for meaningful result oriented in Agricultural Engineering
1.2.2 Objectives On the completion of the programme, the diplomate should be able to;
a) outline the scope of Agricultural Engineering
b) understand the role of Agricultural Engineering in National Economic Development
c) know the application of farm Power in Agricultural Production
d) know the application of Soil and Water Engineering in Agricultural Production
e) know the various farm Structure for crop storage and Livestock husbandry
f) know the use of Electric Power in handling and Processing of farm products.
1.3 Career prospect for prospective students on the course of study in Agricultural Engineering
Agricultural engineers must have a wealth of knowledge and skills to function effectively in the multiplicity of the agricultural and agribusiness industries. The agricultural engineer helps to make farming sustainable, safe, and environmentally friendly. They analyze agricultural operations and weigh the use of new technologies and methods to increase yields, improve land use, and conserve resources like seed, water, fertilizers, pesticides and fuel.
The engineer recommends strategies to protect the health, safety and security of worker's, animals and agricultural products. Agricultural engineers develop methods and design equipment for land preparation, planting and harvesting. They incorporate automation, precision and smart technologies "intelligence" to new and existing equipment. Sensors (including biosensors) are combined with microcomputers, controllers, artificial intelligence and other software, to optimize efficiency, sustainability, and the reliability of our food, feed, fiber and fuel economy. Agriculture engineers find better ways to reduce crop loss from field damage, during handling, sorting, packing and processing. The warehousing of food and fiber are an important part of the agriculture industry. The agricultural engineer is the person who plans the heating, cooling, ventilation, postharvest handling, logistics and more. Specific examples of Agricultural engineering work include:
• Agricultural power units, harvesters, material handling, implements'
• Agricultural production facilities • Environmental controls for poultry, swine, beef, aquaculture, plants, etc.
• Precision agriculture utilizing GPS, yields monitors, remote sensing and variable-rate technology
• Worker safety, comfort, and efficiency including the control of vibration, noise, air quality, heating, cooling, etc.
• Sales, service, training, management, planning, market and product research related to implementing and applying technologies.
Where do agricultural engineers work? The agricultural engineer can be found working with industries associated with agriculture such as equipment companies, seed manufacturers and food companies / distributors. Some agricultural engineers like to work directly with farmers and agricultural technicians to solve issues with crop, land and livestock. Large farm operations may consult or hire agricultural engineers to resolve management and technical issues. A good number of engineers work for government agencies that oversee agricultural entities. The agricultural engineer has plenty to do as increasing biological discoveries and adapted to farming practices like on-farm energy production. New uses for agricultural waste are becoming evident and crops are yielding not only food but new byproducts. The continuing cost of agricultural operations and our increasing populations mean career opportunities for agricultural engineers should always be in demand.
1.4 Head of department
Engr. Oladipo, A. S is the current head of department and holds a B. Eng degree in Agricultural Engineering from the Federal University of Technology, Akure and an M. Eng degree in Mechanical Engineering (Production & Optimization Option) from the University of Agriculture, Makurdi. He is a registered engineer with the Council for the Regulation of Engineering in Nigeria (COREN). He also belongs to the Nigerian Society of Engineers (NSE) and the Nigerian Institute of Agricultural Engineers (NIAE). He has a lot of experiences in teaching as well as in research. He has published a number of research papers in National and International journals and is happily married with Children. 1.5 Contact Information Email: asoladipo@gmail.com Phone no: 07034452807 Engr. A. S. Oladipo
