Aeronautical Engineering in Nigeria: Starting Your Career

Are you a science student or just one who is interested in subjects related to aircraft? Are you also considering what career path will be best for you? This article provides information on Aeronautical engineering, admission requirements to study aeronautical engineering, duties, job/career opportunities, the salary structure of aeronautical engineers in Nigeria and other information on how best to start a career in the field and on top of that we would like to recommend to you some free CNC Training Courses that will help you with aerospace machining.

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Aeronautical Engineering in Nigeria

Professionals who specialize in aeronautical engineering are called aeronautical engineers or aerospace engineers. Aeronautic engineers are amongst the top highest paid jobs in Nigeria.

Aeronautics is the art or science of production, design, and study of machines capable of moving on-air while Aeronautical engineering involves the study, design, and analysis of these machines that move within the air space. Aeronautical engineering also includes disciplines such as aerodynamics, avionics, and propulsion among others.

Aeronautical engineering deals with the technological development in aviation, defense, and exploration system. Aeronautical engineers make use of their technical knowledge in areas such as planning, construction, maintenance and testing of the aircraft and connected systems. They also design aircrafts such as combat jets, rider airliners, satellites, rockets, intercontinental missiles.

Aeronautical engineers also develop and design other technologies and crafts such as supersonic jets, helicopters, space shuttles, satellites, and rockets. Works such as speedy mail delivery and moon travel is also made possible by aerospace engineers.  Among the fields of engineering, aeronautic engineering is one of the most challenging.

Aeronautical Engineering Salary in Nigeria 

Aeronautical engineers are reported to be earning an estimated annual income of about 3 million in addition to other bonuses and incentives. You must know that the salary structure depends on a number of factors which will be discussed further down this article.

As aeronautical engineering, there are a number of skills you are expected to have, which includes:

• Creativity and have good manipulative skills.
• Ability to work under pressure
• Time management skills- must complete jobs before the stipulated deadline.
• Good analytical and problem-solving skills
• Be good at mathematics.
• Must have obtained a first degree in aeronautic engineering at a university
• Must have good working experience.

This brings us to the admission requirements to study Aeronautical Engineering at a Nigerian university. Nigerian universities that offer aeronautics engineering include:

Covenant University

Federal University of Technology

Ahmadu Bello University

Kwara state university

Ladoke Akintola University

University of Lagos

University of Portharcourt

University of Benin

Admission Requirements for the study of Aeronautical Engineering in Nigeria

Aeronautic Engineering is under the Faculty of Engineering, Environment & Technology in Nigerian Universities

The O’level subject combination and requirements needed to study Aeronautical Engineering are:

Five credit passes at SSCE/NECO/NABTEB or any of its equivalent examinations. The credit passes must include: Physics, Geography, Mathematics, English Language and any other science subject

UTME subject combination

In UTME, candidates for aeronautic engineering should note that the English Language is Compulsory for the course. The three other JAMB UTME subject to be written at JAMB include:

Physics, Geography, and Mathematics

What are some of the job roles of aeronautical engineers in Nigeria?

• To provide templates and suppositions for the designs and manufacture of aircraft engines.
• To Create and implement test procedures on crafts
• Carry out theoretical and practical studies and research.
• To provide technical advice and consultation so as to improve the performances of aircraft engines.
• To implement and apply their technical know-how and skills in ensuring that there is maximum flight safety and to solve other air flight issues.

Aeronautic engineers either work from an office or from an aircraft workshop. There are many job career opportunities to be explored as an Aeronautical Engineer.

Some of the companies where you can be employed as an Aeronautical Engineer in Nigeria are below:

• Contract Agencies
• Educational institutions eg: Universities and polytechnics as lecturers
• Government agencies just like that of the Ministry of Defense
• Armed Forces
• Civil services
• Research and Non Governmental Organizations
• Aviation industries

Career Prospects and Job Opportunities available in Aeronautical engineering

• Aerospace engineer
• Design engineer
• Maintenance engineer
• Manufacturing systems engineer
• Materials engineer
• Mechanical engineer
• Automotive engineer
• Control and instrumentation engineer
• Energy engineer
• Patent attorney
• Production manager
• Quality manager
• Technical sales engineer

As said earlier, although aeronautic engineers are one of the highest-paid workers in Nigeria, the pay differs depending on some factors. Some of these factors include:

·        Geographical location

It has been reported that those who stay near the regions where many aviation industries are located are in most cases paid higher than those who are not situated in such areas. Some of such areas include Lagos, Abuja, and Kano.

·        Qualifications

In the aerospace, only those with a degree in aeronautical engineering would be considered for a job as an aeronautical engineer. It is therefore important that you earn a first degree in aeronautic engineering.

To be recognized as a certified aeronautical engineer in Nigeria, one must have completed a five ( 5 ) year course in the University and in addition to this, must have a working experience

·        Employer and Working Experience

The company you work for in regards to their reputation and structure determines the kind of salary you are going to be paid as an Aeronautical engineer. The duration and length of time you have been spent in the field would also be used in determining your salary structure.

If you want to study the design, development, production, testing, science, and technology of air and spacecraft at an advanced level, consider taking a Master’s degree in Aeronautical Engineering. A master’s degree allows you to specialize in a particular field of the subject. This would also open doors to lots of opportunities in aeronautical engineering.

You can also consider continuing your education by taking recognized courses in the field.

Whether you have simply obtained a degree in aerospace engineering or you are considering aerospace engineering as a career sometime in the future, it’s important to review and ask questions about the industry so as to become accustomed to the many career opportunities available for you.