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.
Philosophy
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. Chemical products are used in one form or another in practically every industry before eventually emerging as part of our daily lives.
The academic programmes in Chemistry are designed to provide training in the theory and practice of all branches of Chemistry and to stimulate creative thinking and research. They emphasize 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
- To give students a good exposure to the theoretical and practical aspects of chemistry.
- To provide students with a wide range of abilities and skills presented in three broad categories, viz: Cognitive abilities, Practical and General Skills.
- To train students who will be employable in the industries and who can also be self employed.
- To produce graduates who can exploit the abundant natural resources of this country for the benefit of the society.
Scope
During the course of study, students are required to visit centres of chemical industry and write reports. Students are expected to participate in departmental seminars and are required to give their own seminars in the final year. Also in the final year, students are required to carry out research on topics assigned by the department. Pure & 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).
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