Computer Engineering Schools and Programs in Nigeria

Computer Engineering Studies in Nigeria

Are you interested in earning a degree that will help prepare you for a career in the fast-paced field of computer engineering?  Have you considered earning a portion of that degree as a study abroad participant—studying and living for a semester or year in a foreign country?   If you have, you should definitely check out some of the amazing opportunities for computer engineering education now available in the beautiful country of Nigeria.
 
Officially known as the Federal Republic of Nigeria, the nation of Nigeria is a federal constitutional republic consisting of 36 states and its Federal Capital Territory, Abuja.  The country is situated in the western part of the African continent, where it shares borders with the countries of Niger to the north, Chad and Cameron to the east, and the Republic of Benin to the west.  Its southern border is formed by the Gulf of Guinea on the Atlantic Ocean. 
 
A very diverse country, Nigeria is home to over 500 ethnic groups, including the Hausa, Igbo and Yoruba, the three largest ethnicities in the country.  It is roughly divided between Christians, who live primarily in the south and central parts of the country; and Muslims, concentrated mostly in the north.  A minority of the population practices traditional and local religions, including those of the Igbo and Yoruba people.
 
Nigeria is the most-populous country on the African continent and the seventh-most populated country in the world.  Oil reserves for this African Union member-state have resulted in great wealth, but like in most parts of the world there is a sharp division between the “haves” and “have nots” in Nigeria.  According to the World Bank, Nigeria is now seen as an “emerging market nation,” with an economy that ranks second overall in Africa and 37^th in the world.  Some of this success can rightfully be attributed to its emerging education system, which in the last two decades has seen major improvement.
 
Computer Engineering Education in Nigeria
 
Computer Engineering is offered as a degree option at a select few major universities in Nigeria, where technical programs like these are rapidly gaining in popularity.  Degrees are offered at many different stages or levels, including the Bachelor degree level, which normally takes 4-5 years to complete depending on the institution, and the Master’s degree level, with programs generally spanning an additional 2-3 years.

The four-year Bachelor degree program in computer engineering spans both general education courses and specialized electrical and computer engineering training. The curriculum focuses on math and science concepts as well as engineering design.  Vocational computer engineering training is also available at the Bachelor degree level, with programs that emphasize hands-on practice in job skills valued by employers.  Students learn to troubleshoot static and dynamic routing protocols and PCs; and train to install and monitor network environments using routers, bridges and switches, earning any number of IT certifications along the way.  The coursework in the Electrical and Computer Engineering field is focused on circuitry, networking and electronic devices. Some examples of computer engineering courses include:

• Microprocessors and microcomputers
• C++ programming for embedded systems
• Computer control systems
• Operating systems and systems deployment
• Wireless networking
• Secure computer systems
• Computer architecture
• Digital signal processing
• Semiconductors
• Soft ware development

Graduate studies in computer engineering, leading to the Master of Science degree, afford students the opportunity to focus on a particular area of interest within the computer engineering science. The program typically culminates with a comprehensive examination and/or an original research project that must be presented and defended to the faculty.

Why Study Abroad in Nigeria
 
Nigeria is a beautiful locale for any study abroad program.  Not only do students have the opportunity to gain a fresh academic perspective as it relates to their field of study, they get the chance to learn and appreciate a new culture and to meet other local and international students from around the world.  Nigeria is also home to a number of wonderful sightseeing opportunities—places to go and see when students receive a break from their classroom studies.  A few of these fun and interesting attractions include:
 
Millennium Park
 
Located in Nigeria’s beautiful capital city of Abuja, Millennium Park features a number of wonderful sights and attractions. Officially opened by Queen Elizabeth II of England, the park offers breathtaking sights, architectural masterpieces, and miles of beautiful trails and gardens.  According to the locals, Millennium Park is the best place to go in Nigeria for bird watching.
 
Kajuru Castle
 
Built in 1978 by a controversial German expatriate living in Kaduna, Kajuru Castle is certainly not an ancient monument, but it is definitely worth a visit when touring Nigeria.  The style of the castle is very European and clearly German, making it stand-out from the rest of the local architecture.  Among other features, the castle boasts a baronial hall, complete with genuine suits of armor, and dungeon-style bedrooms and towers with crenulated walls.
 
Yankari Game Reserve
 
No trip to Nigeria would be complete without a visit to the Yankari Game Reserve, a top destination for viewing the plant and animal life that is native to this region of Africa.  Here students will see some of Africa’s greatest animals, including elephants, lions, rhinos and a bevy of other wildlife.  There are also natural warm springs in the reserve that light up beautifully after dark to create a wonderful, photo-worthy spectacle.