Brief History of the Department

The Department of Pure and Industrial Chemistry was established in October 1960 as Department of Chemistry in the then Faculty of Science. In 1976, a degree in Industrial Chemistry was introduced. The University Senate in recognition of the two degree programmes offered by the department approved the change in the name of the department from Chemistry to Pure and Industrial Chemistry from the beginning of the 1984/85 session. In 2001, the department merged the two degree programmes into a degree in Pure and Industrial Chemistry, retaining the degree in Combined Physical Sciences.

Types of Programmes

The Department of Pure and Industrial Chemistry offers the following four-year degree programmes:

i.  B. Sc. (Hons) degree in Pure and Industrial Chemistry.

ii. B. Sc. Combined (Hons) degree in Chemistry and any one of the following subjects: Mathematics, Physics, Microbiology, Botany and Zoology.

Philosophy

The programmes are designed to provide training in the theory and practice of all branches of Chemistry and to stimulate creative thinking and research. It emphasizes the importance of a thorough grounding in experimental chemistry and the need to expose the students to operational aspects of chemical industry and to modern analytical tools.

Objectives and Scope of the Programme

Chemistry is the index of industrial development. The giant strides made by man in the understanding and exploitation of nature, synthesis of new materials essential to the enhancement of the quality of life, and the surge in and sustenance of economic and technological progress have benefited immensely from Chemistry. It is very important in modern science and technology and essential for the material progress of the world. Chemistry products are used in one form or another in practically every other industry before eventually emerging as part of our daily lives.

A Laboratory section

During the course, students are required to visit centers of chemical industry and write reports. Students are expected to participate in departmental seminars and are required to give their own seminar in the final year. Also in the final year, students are required to carry out research on topics assigned by the department. Pure and Industrial Chemistry students are also required to participate in the students’ Industrial Work Experience Scheme (SIWES) and are attached to chemical industries in Nigeria (as part of their academic programme) at the end of second and third years for a period of three months each year.

Upon graduation, students with any of our degrees are expected to develop a wide range of abilities and skills presented in three broad categories, viz: Cognitive abilities, Practical and General Skills.

Entry Requirements

Candidates seeking admission through UME/DE examinations, in addition to the University requirements are required to obtain credits in Chemistry, English Language, Physics and Mathematics in the Senior Secondary School Certificate or its equivalent prior to admission.

Direct entry students must have passed Chemistry, Physics and Mathematics in G. C. E. (Advanced Level) H. S. C. (Principal Level) or any other equivalent examination.

Job Opportunities.

The successful graduates are equipped for higher studies and careers in teaching, research institutes, chemical laboratories, Ministries of Science and Technology, Education, Agriculture, Health, Industry, Environment and in such diverse industries as vegetable oils, soap and detergents, paints and varnishes, plastics, brewing, pharmaceuticals, sugar, paper and pulp, textiles, fertilizer, cement, ceramics, iron and steel, petroleum, coal, dyestuff, etc. Our graduates are also equipped for self-employment.