Glass Technology was first conceived by the late Professor Ishaya Audu in 1974, who was then the Vice Chancellor of Ahmadu Bello University, Zaria. The Programme was successfully established under the Department of Industrial Design in October, 1977. By 1979/1980 academic session, the Glass Technology programme took off. This was made possible after three years with the help of a Polish National, Dr. B. Jarzmik, a graduate of Glass Science and Engineering from the Department of Material Science and Engineering, Faculty of Engineering, University of Sheffield, United Kingdom (UK). Dr. B Jarzmik eventually became the first Head of Glass Technology Section, Department of Industrial Design (DID), ABU, Zaria. Ahmadu Bello University, Zaria pioneered Glass Technology Nationwide and up till date is still the only University in Nigeria that awards degrees in Glass and Silicate Technology. Consequently, both the programme and members of staff have gone through thick and thin with few Professional Mentors in the field. This statement is underlined by the different conceptions people have about glass and even though they see and use it every day.
Our mission is to nature a Department that will be the center of excellence in teaching, research and offer consultancy service.
To become an international Center of Excellence in the Glass and Silicate Technologist that will possess knowledge of traditional and modern areas of Glass and Silicate Technology and allied fields.
The Department of Glass and Silicate Technology was created by the Senate of Ahmadu Bello University, out of the Department of Industrial Design in May, 2017. The Department took off successfully along with a new five years’ degree programme (B. Glass and Silicate Technology). There are over five hundred students at the undergraduate levels. The B. Glass and Silicate Technology and B.Sc. Glass Technology programmes are run concurrently. However, the latter is being replaced by the former.
Closed links are maintained with other Departments in the University-especially Chemistry, Physics, Mathematics, Mechanical Engineering, Metallurgical and Materials Engineering, Civil Engineering, Building, Geology and Industrial Design. It’s a multiband programme which encapsulates Scientific Glass Technology, Glass and Allied Industry, Cement and Geopolymer Technology, Glass-ceramics, Industrial Minerals, High Temperature Materials, Composites and a host of others.
The course structure has to a large extend qualified and encouraged our graduates to interdisciplinary researches in science and engineering. Consequently, Glass and Silicate Technology graduates are versatile and can work virtually everywhere and discipline, such as Materials Science and Engineering, Industrial and Production Management, Chemical and Process Industry, Petrochemical Industry, Plastic Industry, Cement Industry, Ceramic Industry, Glass and Allied Industry, Construction Industry, Banking Industry, Higher Institutions of Learning, Standard Organization of Nigeria (SON), Research Institutions, Fire Service, Bottling and Packaging Industry, to mention but a few.
Generally, students’ performance has improved and one of our students Olaleye Olorunfemi Paul (200 level) emerged as one of the best in the Faculty in the 2017/2018 session. He also became one of the recipients of the Chinese Government Scholarship.
The degrees in view are M.Sc./Ph.D in Glass and Silicate Technology by course work and dissertation/thesis respectively. The programmes may be undertaken on a part-time for staff in residence or full-time for other candidates. To be admitted into the M.Sc./Ph.D, applicants must hold B.Sc./M.Sc. degrees with First or Second Class Honours of Ahmadu Bello University or recognized equivalents. Candidates who hold B.Sc./M.Sc. in Materials Science and Engineering, Chemical Engineering, Geology, Mining Engineering, Industrial Physics, Polymer Science and Technology, Industrial Chemistry, Polymer and Textile Engineering, Metallurgical Engineering, or Mechanical Engineering may apply for the M.Sc./Ph.D. Glass and Silicate Technology but shall be required to take some core preparatory courses to bridge the gap.
Both programmes are designed to provide Industrial Scientists, and Engineers with the skills necessary to face the challenges in the areas of materials science, teaching, research, consultancy services and industrial management. The structures are the outcome of a painstaking research and broad consultation with experts and professionals, which brings into effect the peculiar needs nationally and globally. We would be happy to provide further information if required.