The areas of specialization in the Mechatronics Engineering Department are as follows:

1. Mechatronics System Development
2. Artificial Intelligence System
3. Electronics and Embedded systems
4. Robotics and Automation
5. Digital Signal Processing          
6. Machine Vision and Image Processing
7. Control and Instrumentation
8. Autotronics
9. Computer System Engineering

The rapid pace of change in the computing field has necessitated the need for Mechatronics engineers to be life-long learners so as to maintain their knowledge and skills within their chosen area of specialization. An important distinction should be made between Mechatronics engineers, electrical engineers, other computer professionals, and engineering technologists. While such distinctions are sometimes ambiguous, Mechatronics engineers generally should satisfy the following three characteristics:

1. Possess the ability to design Complex systems that include both hardware and software needed for solving novel engineering problems, subject to trade-offs involving a set of competing goals and constraints. In this context, “design” refers to a level of ability beyond “assembling” or “configuring” systems.
2. Have a breadth of knowledge in mathematics and engineering sciences, associated with the broader scope of engineering and beyond that narrowly required for the field.
3. Acquire and maintain a preparation for professional practice in engineering.

Students graduating from the department shall be strongly equipped to seek careers at:

1. Robotics and Manufacturing companies
2. Automobile and Autotronics Industries
3. Computer Manufacturing Companies
4. Telecommunications Companies
5. Oil and Gas Companies
6. Research Institutes
7. Graduates prospects and Teaching/Lecturing in Schools, Colleges and Universities.
8. Any 21st Century ICT Driven Companies.

The program will develop the graduates in competence and skills in the various components of Mechatronics Engineering profession, these include:

1. Ability to analyze data in alternative forms to create deeper understanding in Mechatronics Engineering profession.
2. Use of relevant test and measurement equipment including assemblage and use of experimental laboratory/ workshop activities; ability to estimate errors/ accuracy of measurements.
3. Research for information to develop ideas further and working with limited or contradictory information.
4. Use of information technology tools, including programming languages and a broad understanding of common information tools.
5. Ability to apply engineering techniques taking into account, industrial and commercial constraints, to learn independently and understand new concepts in Mechatronics Engineering profession.
6. Competence in teamwork and leadership.

The rapid pace of change in the computing field has necessitated the need for Mechatronics engineers to be life-long learners so as to maintain their knowledge and skills within their chosen area of specialization. An important distinction should be made between Mechatronics engineers, electrical engineers, other computer professionals, and engineering technologists. While such distinctions are sometimes ambiguous, Mechatronics engineers generally should satisfy the following three characteristics:

1. Possess the ability to design Complex systems that include both hardware and software needed for solving novel engineering problems, subject to trade-offs involving a set of competing goals and constraints. In this context, “design” refers to a level of ability beyond “assembling” or “configuring” systems.
2. Have a breadth of knowledge in mathematics and engineering sciences, associated with the broader scope of engineering and beyond that narrowly required for the field.
3. Acquire and maintain a preparation for professional practice in engineering.

Students graduating from the department shall be strongly equipped to seek careers at:

1. Robotics and Manufacturing companies
2. Automobile and Autotronics Industries
3. Computer Manufacturing Companies
4. Telecommunications Companies
5. Oil and Gas Companies
6. Research Institutes
7. Graduates prospects and Teaching/Lecturing in Schools, Colleges and Universities.
8. Any 21st Century ICT Driven Companies.

The program will develop the graduates in competence and skills in the various components of Mechatronics Engineering profession, these include:

1. Ability to analyze data in alternative forms to create deeper understanding in Mechatronics Engineering profession.
2. Use of relevant test and measurement equipment including assemblage and use of experimental laboratory/ workshop activities; ability to estimate errors/ accuracy of measurements.
3. Research for information to develop ideas further and working with limited or contradictory information.
4. Use of information technology tools, including programming languages and a broad understanding of common information tools.
5. Ability to apply engineering techniques taking into account, industrial and commercial constraints, to learn independently and understand new concepts in Mechatronics Engineering profession.
6. Competence in teamwork and leadership.

Programme Structure

The Programme workload for students includes combination of: the conventional formal university Lectures; Tutorials; Practical sessions; Laboratory work, Seminars and Project.  Furthermore, periodically at 200, 300, 400 and 500 levels, Mechatronics Engineering students will go on excursion to industries that deploys Mechatronics, automation and ICT in their operations, for industrial experience. At 500 level, students are expected to carry out independent project in their areas of specialization. 

Mechatronics Engineering students will be evaluated through:

1. Continuous Assessment which is made up of various Assignments and Tests. It forms 40% of the student’s Evaluation.
2. Examination: This makes up 60% of the Total Student’s Evaluation.
3. In order to qualify for a course examination, a student shall be required to achieve 75% attendance of all the scheduled classes for the course.

Duration of the Programme

The Bachelor of Engineering Programme in Mechatronics Engineering is normally a five-year Programme (100-500 levels). However, direct entry candidates normally spend four years (A’ level, and OND Candidates) or three years (HND candidates).

The Programme is structured in such a way that all engineering students offer the same basic courses at 100 and 200 levels in order to prepare them for the Engineering profession. The 300 to 500 level courses are more detailed and focus towards training in Mechatronics Engineering.

A student cannot stay beyond one hundred and fifty percent (150%) of the normal duration of the Programme (i.e. 7.5, 6 and 4.5 sessions for 5, 4 and 3 year Programme respectively).

The underlisted are list of researches won by the department in collaboration with other National and International Partners.

1. Rural Environmental Monitoring via Ultra-Wide Area Networks and distributed federated Learning (REMARKABLE) funded by the European Union (EU)(In collaboration with other National and International Partners) 1,145,400 Euros (2023)
2. Artificial Intelligence for Females in STEM Funded by the Royal Academy of Engineers, UK =100, 000 Pounds
3. Development of an Artificial intelligence-based autonomous robotic system for weed control in dryland farms funded by TETFUND (National Research Fund) N=33,000,000.00 (2022)
4. Novel Road Accident Monitoring and Prevention System for Nigerian Roads and Highways funded by TETFUND (National Research Fund), =N=19,323,657:00 (2022)
5. Artificial Intelligence Based Pipeline Leakage Prediction System for Downstream Sector funded by PTDF N 25,000,000 (2022)
6. Artificial Intelligence for Females in STEM funded by the Royal Academy of Engineering in UK 100,000 Pounds. (2022)
7. Valoring e-Waste in Nigeria, funded by University of Leeds, Leeds. UK , £2,000 (2020)
8. Bridging the Engineering Skills Gap in Nigeria funded by the Engineering for Industry and Clintonel Innovation Centre =N=1,000,000.00 (2020)
9. Novel Monitoring and Remediation Technique for Pipeline under High Temperature and High-Pressure Condition in Niger Delta Area funded by TETFUND (National Research Fund), =N=38,288,276.00 (2020)
10. Artificial Intelligence for Clean Energy (AI4CE) Development Funded by the Royal Academy of Engineers, UK =155, 465 Pounds (2019).
11. Fabrication of Intelligent Wireless Mobile Phone Charger Funded by the Nigerian Communications Commission (NCC), =N=6,259,990 (2019)

The department held a series of student development programmes to mark the graduation of the first set of students. The major programmes are as follows: 

Career Talk 

As part of activities to mark the graduation of the first set of students, the department in collaboration with the Artificial Intelligence for Clean Energy Project organized the first-ever career talk in the School of Electrical Engineering and Technology and the department. The 2-day event had in attendance captains of industries, seasoned Human Resource Managers, and Alumni of the University from different works of life. The cross-sectional pictures of the event and flyers are as depicted. 

DOME Career Talk Series for Final Year Students 2023/2024 Session

The department organized extensive capacity development training sessions to adequately prepare the 500-level students for the challenges and opportunities that await them after graduation. The event, themed “Becoming Industry Ready,” was meticulously designed to equip the students with the essential skills necessary to navigate the demands of professional work environments and life beyond the university.

The four-day programme featured a diverse lineup of distinguished speakers, including accomplished alumni from the department and the university and prominent captains of industry. These experts shared invaluable insights, practical advice, and strategies to foster the students’ readiness for post-graduation endeavors.

The event’s highlights, captured in flyers and the program agenda, reflected the richness of the sessions. It provided a transformative experience for the soon-to-be graduates, broadening their perspectives and inspiring them to pursue greater aspirations with confidence and determination. The Programme flyers and selected pictures of the event as shown below.

Table: Programme of Event of DOME Career Talk

S/N	Topic of Presentation	Presenter	Date	Time
1	Securing and Sustaining your Dream Job	Prof A. M. Aibinu,	28th -Aug-2024	1pm
		Vice-Chancellor, Summit University Offa, Kwara State
2	Reposition and Packaging for the Dream Job	Abdullahi Bankole,	8th-Oct-24	11am
		Data Analyst,
		Mikano International,
		Lagos
3	Be your Own Boss	Shedrack Akpa,	9th -Oct-2024	11am
		CEO,
		Photon Engineering Ltd,
		Abuja
4	Requirement for Foreign PG Programme	Esther Olarnewaju,	9th -Oct-2024	12noon
		PhD Candidate,
		University of Melbourne
5	Getting your desired PG Admission with Scholarship	Ibrahim Oladepo,	9th -Oct-2024	2pm
		PhD Candidate,
		University of Minnesota
6	HR’s Perspective of Fresh Graduates	Rachael Iheanacho	10th -Oct-2024	11am
		Assistant HR,
		CFAO Mobility,
		Lagos

Three Weeks Capacity Building Workshops for Students.

The National Association of Mechatronics Engineering Students (NAMTES), in collaboration with the Department of Mechatronics Engineering at the Federal University of Technology, Minna, organized a comprehensive three-week capacity-building and development program designed specifically for tech-savvy students with a keen interest in robotics and related fields.

 

This initiative seeks to foster innovation and technical expertise among aspiring roboticists, preparing them to excel in the rapidly evolving technological landscape.

This programme was aimed to equip participants with cutting-edge skills and knowledge across various learning tracks, including:

• Drone Building and Piloting, offering hands-on experience in designing, assembling, and operating drones.
• Embedded Systems, focusing on the integration of hardware and software for advanced technological applications.
• Machine Learning and Artificial Intelligence, providing foundational and applied insights into data-driven innovation.
• Mobile App Development, emphasizing the creation of user-centric applications for smartphones and tablets.
• Web Development, aimed at building dynamic and responsive websites tailored to modern needs.

CHAT WITH THE HOD PROGRAMME

In alignment with the departmental mandate to foster a student-centred approach to administration, the Head of Department (HOD), in collaboration with the student association, organised a significant interactive programme titled “A Chat with the HOD.” This initiative aimed to create a platform that facilitates open dialogue between the department’s leadership and its students.

 

During the period under review, the programme provided an invaluable opportunity for students to engage directly with the HOD, enabling them to voice their concerns and seek clarifications on various aspects of their academic journey, welfare, and career development within the department. Particular emphasis was placed on addressing the unique needs and questions of newly admitted students, offering them guidance and support as they acclimated to the academic environment.

The event further featured contributions from other members of the departmental staff, who provided their perspectives on the diverse range of questions raised by students. This collaborative interaction enriched the discourse and underscored the department’s commitment to fostering an inclusive and responsive academic community. The following clips show cross-sectional pictures and flyer of the event.

SUMMER WITH DOME.

As a way of corporate social responsibility (CSR), the department organized a three-week (August 1, 2024 to August 23, 2024) Capacity Development Programme for children of university staff. The Summer with DOME programme, designed exclusively for the children of FUTMinna staff, offered a transformative three-week journey into technology and innovation. This unique initiative aimed to foster intellectual and personal growth through hands-on learning in cutting-edge fields. Participants explored the Fundamentals of Artificial Intelligence (AI), gaining insight into AI concepts and real-world applications. At the same time, the Programming and Robotics module introduced them to coding and robot building, sharpening their problem-solving and logical thinking skills. The highlight for many was the Drone pilot track, where interactive simulations provided practical drone operation training. Over 70+ participants were in attendance. The Event also had the Vice Chancellor Prof Faruk Adamu Kuta, Prof Francis Fatoye of Manchester Metropolitan University, United Kingdom and other Principal Officials of the University in attendance.

Research Project Poster Exhibition 

In addition to the Career Talk, the department also organized the first-ever Research Project Poster Exhibition in the University. The project exhibition was organized in collaboration with the Artificial Intelligence for Clean Energy Project. Invitation for participation was open to all departments in the University and to all Final Year Project students of the 2019/2020 academic session. The event was graced by very senior faculty members from the School of Electrical Engineering and Technology (SEET), School of Infrastructure, Process Engineering and Technology (SIPET), School of Information Communication Technology (SICT).  At the end of the event, medals of awards were presented to winners in three different categories namely: 7 Gold Medals, 11 Silver Medals, and 9 Bronze Medals.

Final Year Proposal Seminar

In order to prepare the students for the task of research and development, the department held a 1-week long proposal development seminar for students in the department with special emphasis on the final year students. The synopsis of the seminar includes but is not limited to problem definition, objectives formation, research gap identification, literature review, methodology, and writing skills. 

Online Webinar and Technopreneurship Conference

The National Association of Mechatronics Engineering Students (NATMES) also held the first-ever conference with the theme “Your Journey into Technoprenuership”. The event was the first to be organized by the student body. Furthermore, the student also held an online webinar on the future of 3D printing. The flyers of the event are as depicted below.  

In addition to the Career Talk, the department also organized the first-ever Research Project Poster Exhibition in the University. The project exhibition was organized in collaboration with the Artificial Intelligence for Clean Energy Project. Invitation for participation was open to all departments in the University and to all Final Year Project students of the 2019/2020 academic session. The event was graced by very senior faculty members from the School of Electrical Engineering and Technology (SEET), School of Infrastructure, Process Engineering and Technology (SIPET), School of Information Communication Technology (SICT).  At the end of the event, medals of awards were presented to winners in three different categories namely: 7 Gold Medals, 11 Silver Medals, and 9 Bronze Medals.

In order to prepare the students for the task of research and development, the department held a 1-week long proposal development seminar for students in the department with special emphasis on the final year students. The synopsis of the seminar includes but is not limited to problem definition, objectives formation, research gap identification, literature review, methodology, and writing skills. 

The National Association of Mechatronics Engineering Students (NATMES) also held the first-ever conference with the theme “Your Journey into Technoprenuership”. The event was the first to be organized by the student body. Furthermore, the student also held an online webinar on the future of 3D printing. The flyers of the event are as depicted below.  

The Exhibition Room.

The Mechatronics Engineering Exhibition Room is the first exhibition room in Federal University of Technology Minna. It attracts over 200 visitors this year ranging from students of this University and other Universities, University Management Officials, University visitors, Military personnel, GIZ Executives, US diplomals, and many others. Some highlight of visitors to the exhibition room are follows:

The University Management Team, the PRO, US Embassy at the DOME ER

Visit of the Representative of the Commander, Defence Research Board at the DOME ER

Visit of Students from Nestle Technical Training Centre Abaji to the Exhibition Room

 

1. Impact of Technology on the Russia-Ukraine War: An Appraisal of Modern War Platforms Presented by Dr Taliha Folorunso at the 2022 Research and Development Study Period of the Nigerian Army Training and Doctrine Command Minna in April 2022
2. Information Management Systems for Effective Military Operations Presented by Dr Taliha Folorunso at the 2022 Military Intelligence Research Seminar at the Nigerian Army Training and Doctrine Command Minna in April 2022.
3. Evolving Trends in Cyber Security and Cyber Warfare Presented by Engr Jibril Bala at the 2022 Military Intelligence Research Seminar at the Nigerian Army Training and Doctrine Command Minna in April 2022.
4. Policy Dialogue Workshop of the Downstream Department, Federal Ministry of Petroleum Resources (MPR) on “Mainstreaming Machine Learning (ML) and Artificial Intelligence (AI) into the National Petroleum Policy (NPP) 2017”, Presented by Engr Kufre Jack and held at Millennium Building Plaza, Abuja, Thursday 28th, April 2022.
5. Investiture of Engr. (Mrs.) Ime Eseme Essien as the 2nd chairman of the Nigerian Institute of Electrical and Electronic Engineers (NIEEE), Ikot Ekpene Chapter, and presentation on “Mentoring and its role in Engineering and Nation Building”, Presented by Engr Kufre Jack and held at Civic Center, Ikot Ekpene, 16th April, 2022.
6. Nigerian Society of Engineers (NSE) Ikot Ekpene Branch monthly meeting and presentation on “Mentoring: A Panacea   for Today’s Engineering Growth” Presented by Engr Kufre Jack and held at Ritman University Ikot Ekpene, 20th March, 2022.
7. T. A. Folorunso presented the keynote papers titled “Emerging Technology: A tool for fostering National Peace” and “ICT applications for Personnel and Barrack Safety” at the Nigerian Army Training and Doctrine Command Annual Security Awareness Conference in August 2021. Cross-sectional pictures at the event are as depicted.

1. T. A. Folorunso also represented Prof A. M. Aibinu as the keynote speaker at the 2021 Nigeria Army Research and Development Conference in October2021 with the paper titled “Effective Research and Development as an Enabler for the Development of the Military Industrial Complex in Nigeria” The department also participated at the RnD exhibition fair of the event. Cross-sectional pictures at the event are as depicted. 

1. A. M. Aibinu led the delegation of the department to the 2nd edition of the Research and Development Fair of the Nigerian Content Development and Monitoring Board in September 2021 at Yenegoa, Bayelsa State. The event was well attended by captains of industries as well as the Vice-Chancellor. Highlights of the event in the pictures are as follows:

1.  

As part of her Cooperate Social Responsibility, the department in collaboration with the Artificial Intelligence for Clean Energy Project organized a 2 Day Training session for over 50 youths in Agaie Emirate Council on the Fundamentals of Renewable Energy. The event was graced by the Emir of Agaie, HRH Dr. YUSUF Nuhu.

1. The members of the department also facilitated the capacity development on the Manual Printed Circuit Board Manufacturing and Instrument Calibration for students, graduates and academic staff of an institution in Offa Kwara State. The training was supported by Artificial Intelligence for Females in Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics (AI4FS) at Summit University Offa, Kwara State under the Royal Academy of Engineering project United Kingdom

Dr K. E. Jack also presented the investiture lecture of the 2nd chairman of the Nigerian Institute of Electrical and Electronic Engineers, Ikot Ekpene Branch, Akwa Ibom State.

Dr K. E. Jack also presented the lecture of the Nigerian Society of Engineers, Ikot Ekpene Branch, Held at Ritman University Akwa Ibom State

Recent Awards of the Department.

1. Undie Ebenezer a graduate of the department during the 2019/2020 session won the award of the Best Graduating Student Nigeria Society of Engineers. The award was presented to him by the Deputy Governor of Imo State

1. The Department of Mechatronics Engineering, also received the Vice-Chancellors Commendation award in the following areas:

a. University Governance and Administration

1. The Vice-Chancellor’s Commendation for Exceptional Performance in University Governance
2. The Vice-Chancellor’s Commendation for Contribution to University Advancement
3. Academic Publication
4. The Vice-Chancellor’s Commendation for Outstanding Scholarly Publications (Top 10 Ranked Staff in SCOPUS Indexed Journals Based on Q1 Publications)
5. The Vice-Chancellor’s Commendation for Outstanding Scholarly Publications (Top 10 Ranked Staff in SCOPUS Indexed Journals Based h-indexed)

      Research Grants

5. The Vice-Chancellor’s Commendation for Winning National Grants
6. The Vice-Chancellor’s Commendation for Attraction of International Grants
7. Another special award:
8. The Vice-Chancellor’s Commendation for Contribution to Intellectual Property Development.

During the 2023-2024 session, students from the Department of Mechatronics Engineering (DOME) excelled in national and international competitions, achieving remarkable recognition. Their accomplishments ranged from winning the prestigious Best Student Paper Award at an academic conference in South Africa to securing first place in the National MATLAB Competition, organised by MathWorks International.

A detailed summary of the awards and honours earned by DOME students is provided in Table 4, highlighting their exceptional performances and contributions to advancing the department’s reputation on a global stage.

Table 4 : List of Awards Won by DOME Students

S/N	Award	Organization	Students Involved	Year
1	Second Position Business Pitch: KANJIFLY	Old Student Association, Vanguards Academy	Abdulganiyy Umar, Muhammad Tariq, Adebanjo Aishat	2024
2	Winner, Award for Innovative Solution: Free Laptops	3MTT, Federal Ministry of Communication and Digital Economy	Ani Emmanuel, Abdulganiyy Umar, Adebanjo Aisha	2024
3	Winner, Grooming Grant	CREM Nigeria	Abdulganiyy Umar	2024
4	Winner, Nigeria National MATLAB Challenge	Mathworks Int	Israel Durotoye, Isreal Odeh, Jedidah David, and Raphael Efita.	2024
5	Winner, National Final Award, Huawei ICT Competition	Huawei International	Victor Akande, Chinoso S. Iruke	2024
6	Scholarship Awards	MTN, Chevron, PTDF and NNPC	Over 15+ Students of the Department	2024
7	Best Student Paper Award: IEEE POWER AFRICA CONFERENCE	IEEE Power Africa Conference	Reuel Kantiyok	2024

Guest Lecture at Ingressive for Good

In March 2024, Dr. Taliha Folorunso served as a guest speaker at an event titled “Creating an Impactful Research as a Student and Professional,” organised by Ingressive for Good. His lecture, “Choosing and Creating Impactful Research as an Engineering Student,” provided valuable insights into the principles of impactful research and its relevance to academic and professional success. Figure 1 highlights moments from the event through photographs.

GRAIN Workshop in Uganda

In April 2024, Dr. Folorunso was among the select researchers representing Nigeria at the Gender Responsible Artificial Intelligence Network (GRAIN) Workshop. The workshop was held at the Fairway Hotel in Kampala, Uganda, from the 15th to the 18th of April 2024. This prestigious gathering brought together participants from across Africa to deliberate on the development of gender-responsive AI systems tailored to the continent’s unique needs. Photographs below capture key moments and interactions during the workshop.

TRADOC 2024 Research and Development Conference

In September 2024, Drs. Jibril Bala and Taliha Folorunso were invited as guest speakers at the Nigeria Army Training and Doctrine Command (TRADOC) 2024 Research and Development Conference. The conference focused on fostering a culture of innovation and research within the Nigerian Army. Dr. Folorunso delivered a lecture titled “Innovating for Dominance: The Strategic Role of R&D in Emerging Technologies for Modern Warfare,” emphasising the importance of research and innovation in maintaining military superiority. Dr. Jibril Bala’s presentation, “Synergy in Action: Integrating Emerging Technologies for Effective Joint Operations in Modern Warfare,” highlighted collaborative strategies for leveraging technology in defence. Both talks were met with enthusiasm, inspiring participants to embrace a responsive research culture for a more advanced Nigerian Army.