GOAL AND OBJECTIVE OF THE PROGRAMME

The National Diploma Programme in Computer Engineering Technology is designed to produce computer technicians to install, maintain and repair computer system software, hardware and its peripherals. More specifically, diplomats of the programme should be able to:

• Map out the layout for computers installation and networking;
• Set up the installation, configuration and the operation of a computer system(s);
• Set up the installation, configuration and the operation of computer networks
• Use appropriate instruments and software to carry out simple tests and measurements on all subsystems in a computer and its peripherals.
• Operate relevant equipment and installations whenever required;
• Operate relevant equipment and installations whenever required;
• Carry out routine maintenance and repair of:
• Computer Hardware
• Computer Software
• Computer Peripherals
• Construct simple computer circuit
• Develop simple programming codes
• Present technical reports; and
• Manage a small enterprise.

Entry Requirements

Entry requirements for the National Diploma in Computer Engineering Technology programme include at least a minimum score in the Unified Tertiary Matriculation Examination (UTME), five credit passes at not more than two sittings in West African Senior School Certificate of Education (WASSCE), Senior School Certificate of Education (SSCE), National Technical Certificate (NTC), General Certificate of Education (GCE) Ordinary level, West African Examination Certificate (WAEC) or National Examination Council (NECO) in relevant subjects.

The relevant subjects are: English Language, Mathematics, Physics, Chemistry and one other subject from: Metal Work, Wood Work, Technical Drawing, Basic Electronics, Basic Electricity, 4 Economics, Commerce, Statistics, Further Mathematics, Computer Studies, Geography and Biology or Agricultural Science. (Details of Admission requirements are obtainable in the NBTE annual Directory of Accredited Programmes).

Admission Requirements

• SSCE/GCE/NECO with credits in English, Mathematics, Physics, Chemistry and Agricultural Science/Biology.
• ND holders in related disciplines may be considered for HND entry.
• Successful applicants must pass departmental screening and meet the institution's general admission rules.

Project

Project shall be submitted at the end of the second semester of the final year.

Structure of Programme

The structure of the ND Programme consists of four (4) semesters of classroom, laboratory and workshop activities in the Institution and a semester (3-4 months) of student industrial work experience scheme (SIWES). Each semester shall be seventeen (17) weeks of duration made up of:

• 15 contact weeks of teaching, i.e. recitation, practical exercises, quizzes, test, etc; and
• 2 weeks for examinations and registration. SIWES shall take place at the end of the second semester of the first year.

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Conditions of Award

Institutions offering accredited programmes will award the National Diploma to candidates who successfully completed the programme after passing prescribed course-work, examinations, diploma project and the supervised industrial work experience. Such candidates should have completed a minimum of 90 and 100 semester credit units.

Curriculum

The curriculum of the ND programme consists of three main components. These are:

• General Studies / Education
• Foundation Courses
• Professional Courses

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Accreditation

Each programme offered either at the ND or HND level shall be accredited by the NBTE before the diplomates can be awarded either of the two diploma certificates. Details about the process of accrediting a programme for the award of ND or HND are available from the Executive Secretary, National Board for Technical Education, Plot B Bida Road, P.M.B. 2239, Kaduna, Nigeria.

Guidance Note for Teachers Teaching the Programmes

The new curriculum is drawn in unit courses. This is in keeping with the provisions of the National Policy on Education which stress the need to introduce the semester credit units which will enable a student, who so wish, to transfer the units already completed in an institution of similar standard from which he is transferring.

In designing the units, the principle of the modular system by product has been adopted, thus making each of the professional modules, when completed provides the student with technician operative skills, which can be used for employment purposes.

As the success of the credit unit system depends on the articulation of programmes between the institution and industry, the Curriculum content has been written in behavioral objectives, so that it is clear to all the expected performance of the student who successfully completed some of the courses or the diplomates of the programme. There is a slight departure in the presentation of the performance based curriculum which requires the conditions under which the performance is expected to be carried out and the criteria for the acceptable levels of performance. It is a deliberate attempt to further involve the staff of the department teaching the programme to write their own curriculum stating the conditions existing in their institution under which the performance can take place and follow that with the criteria for determining an acceptable level of performance.

The Academic Board of the institution may vet departmental submission on the final curriculum. Our aim is to continue to see to it that a solid internal Evaluation system exist in each institution for ensuring minimum standard and quality of education in the programmes offered throughout the polytechnic system.

The teaching of the theory and practical work should, as much as possible, be integrated. Practical exercises, especially those in professional courses and laboratory work should not be taught in isolation from the theory. For each course, there should be a balance of theory to practice in the ratio of 50:50 or 60:40 or the reverse.

To be considered a specialist teaching this programme, the instructor / lecturer must possess qualifications in COMPUTER ENGINEERING or related engineering disciplines, e,g. Electronics, Telecommunication, Control, etc.

SYNOPSIS OF THE ACADEMIC & CAREER PROGRESSION OF ND HOLDER He/She;

1. Can be admitted into HND programmes e.g Computer Engineering, Electronics and Telecommunication
2. Can be admitted through direct entry (DE) into bachelor’s degree programmes
3. Can work as a technician
4. Can manage a small scale computer-based firms, business centres and any other related enterprise(s).

GUIDELINES ON SIWES PROGRAMME:

For the smooth operation of the SIWES the following guidelines shall apply

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