Revolutionalising engineering programmes in developing countries by incorporating a mechatronics curriculum

Abstract

The current engineering undergraduate curriculum in Nigeria, a developing country, is non-commensurate with the contemporary 21st century technological prospect and so the nation lags seriously in research and development (R&D), which in effect is a quantity for measuring infrastructural development. In the light of this development, a mechatronics curriculum becomes not only necessary but critical. This is so because it combines mechanics with electronics and information technology in components, modules, products and systems. This paper will share the experience in developing and implementing a novel mechatronics curriculum in an existing engineering programme at an undergraduate level - the need, the functions and the hopes. Also examined, were the strategies involved in initiating, developing and implementing this curriculum, which can easily pass off in any developing nation; Nigeria serving as a case to this particular study. In the quest for sustainable development in engineering education and research in universities, this is also offered as an appropriate action for at least, undergraduate engineering programmes.