ENGR PROF. AJAKA OYEDELE EBENEZER
Head of Department, Mining Engineering
ENGR PROF. AJAKA OYEDELE EBENEZER is a distinguished mining engineer, academic leader, and registered professional with extensive expertise in surface and underground mining operations, rock mechanics, and mineral resource management. He previously served as the pioneer coordinator of the Mining Engineering programme and now leads the department with a vision for excellence, innovation, and industry-driven research. Under his leadership, the programme continues to produce globally competitive graduates equipped to transform Nigeria's solid minerals sector.
Faculty of Engineering | Confluence University of Science and Technology, Osara, Kogi State
History of Mining Engineering Programme
The Bachelor of Engineering (B.Eng.) programme in Mining Engineering began, along with five (5) other founding engineering programmes, in 2021. It started within the Department of Civil and Mining Engineering with the first Head of Department (HOD) being Engr. Dr Shehu Shaib Abdulazeez. He later handed over to Engr. Adebola Michael Jethro as the pioneer coordinator of the Department. Engr. Jethro later handed over to Prof Ebenezer O. Ajaka as Head of Department, a position he held until Engr. Jethro resumed as HOD. The programme commenced with the admission of two (2) students, which subsequently grew to eleven (11), twenty-four (24), and twenty-six (26) in subsequent years. As of the 2025/2026 academic session, the Mining Engineering programme has a total of Sixty-Three (63) students.
Institution Vision & Mission
Vision: To be a reputable world-class institution renowned for producing highly skilled, globally competitive graduates with a strong affinity for practical problem-solving, and cutting-edge research output.
Mission: To provide a most conducive teaching and learning environment that robustly supports both teachers and learners in cultivating and sustaining critical thinking culture as well as knowledge discovery, application, preservation, and exchange, and promote strategic values for the intellectual development of humanity in general and the nation in particular.
Department Vision & Mission
Vision: To be an academic Department with competent human resources and state-of-the-art facilities to impart quality education and support research.
Mission: To run programmes that place emphasis on imparting knowledge, relevant skill sets and interest for further studies in its graduates whose scholastic and research impact can be reckoned with both regionally and globally, and known for producing globally competitive professionals.
Philosophy of the Programme
The philosophy of the Mining Engineering programme is to train mining engineers and equip them with appropriate knowledge and skills required for the operation of a vibrant mineral industry which can serve as a vehicle for rapid transformation of the economy by adopting a very practical and realistic approach in delivering the programme in line with the philosophy laid down by Confluence University of Science and Technology (CUSTECH) to "Bringing up highly skilled and globally competitive graduates with strong affinity for practical problem solving".
Programme Educational Objectives (PEOs)
The Program Educational Objectives (PEOs) describe what graduates of the Mining Engineering program are expected to achieve within a few years after graduation.
PEO 1 Apply advanced engineering knowledge to design, analyze, and optimize surface and underground mining systems in alignment with national and global standards.
PEO 2 Integrate sustainable and ethical practices in mining activities.
PEO 3 Foster innovation through research and application of modern technologies in mining.
PEO 4 Demonstrate leadership, teamwork, communication, and project management skills.
Programme Outcomes (POs)
The Programme Outcomes (POs) for the B.Eng. Mining Engineering programme at CUSTECH describe the knowledge, skills, and competencies that students are expected to attain by the time of graduation.
PO1 – Engineering Knowledge Apply knowledge of mathematics, science, engineering fundamentals and an engineering specialization to the solution of developmental and complex engineering problems.
PO2 – Problem Analysis Identify, formulate, research literature and analyze developmental and complex engineering problems reaching substantiated conclusions using first principles.
PO3 – Design/Development of Solutions Proffer solutions for developmental or complex engineering problems and design systems, components or processes that meet specified needs with appropriate consideration for public health, safety, and environment.
PO4 – Investigation Conduct investigation into developmental or complex problems using research-based knowledge and research methods including design of experiments, analysis and interpretation of data.
PO5 – Modern Tool Usage Create, select and apply appropriate techniques, resources and modern engineering and ICT tools, including prediction, modelling and optimization.
PO6 – The Engineer and Society Apply reasoning informed by contextual knowledge to assess societal, health, safety, legal and cultural issues and consequent responsibilities.
PO7 – Ethics Apply ethical principles and commit to professional ethics and responsibilities and norms of engineering practice, including adherence to COREN Code of Conduct.
PO8 – Individual and Teamwork Function effectively as an individual, and as a member or leader in diverse teams and in multi-disciplinary settings.
PO9 – Communication Communicate effectively on developmental or complex engineering activities with the engineering community and with society at large.
PO10 – Project Management and Finance Demonstrate knowledge and understanding of engineering, management and financial principles and apply these to manage projects.
PO11 – Lifelong Learning Recognize the need for, and have the ability to engage in independent and lifelong learning in the broadest context of technological and social changes.
Career Prospects in Mining Engineering
Core Industries
Surface & Underground Mining
Mineral Exploration
Mine Design & Planning
Rock Mechanics & Geotechnics
Mineral Processing
Mine Ventilation & Safety
Blasting & Explosives
Consulting & R&D
Academia & Government
Emerging Fields
Sustainable Mining
Mine Environmental Management
Artisanal & Small-Scale Mining
Mining Law & Policy
Geoinformatics & GIS
Oil & Gas Well Drilling
Admission Entry Modes
UTME Entry Mode
Minimum of credit level passes in five (5) subjects: English Language, Mathematics, Chemistry, Physics, and either Further Mathematics, Biology, or Technical Drawing. Acceptable UTME score required. Duration: 5 years.
Direct Entry Mode
Minimum of two 'A' level passes in relevant science subjects (GCE/IJMB) plus O'Level credits as above. OND/HND with upper credit also accepted. Duration: 4 years.
Intra & Inter-University Transfer
Intra-University Transfer: Student must satisfy O'Level requirements, have minimum CGPA of 2.0, and present academic records. No transfer student shall spend less than two academic sessions.
Inter-University Transfer: Student must satisfy O'Level requirements, have minimum CGPA of 3.0, and present transcript. No transfer student shall spend less than two academic sessions.
Note: Any student who could not graduate within the stipulated period is allowed to continue for additional two academic sessions provided CGPA is 1.00 and above.
Fieldwork & Industrial Engagement
Practical Learning Approach
To blend classwork with practical knowledge, the Department conducts field trips to reputable mining companies where students see first-hand mining operations and activities. This is made possible through the cooperation of the University management, Mining Companies, and the Kogi State office of the Ministry of Mines and Steel Development (MMSD). Students gain hands-on experience in surface and underground mining operations, mine surveying, rock mechanics testing, drilling and blasting, and mineral processing.
Mine Site Visits
Laboratory Practicals
SIWES Internships
Industry Projects
Core Mining Engineering Courses
Foundation & Core Courses
- Introduction to Mining
- Surface Mining Technology & Methods
- Underground Mining Technology & Methods
- Rock Mechanics
- Mine Surveying
- Drilling and Blasting
- Mine Ventilation
- Mineral Processing Technology
Advanced & Specialized Courses
- Surface Mine Design
- Underground Mine Design
- Mine Equipment and Machinery
- Mineral Economics & Mine Valuation
- Mine Environmental Management
- Mining Law
- Artisanal and Small-Scale Mining
- Computer Programming in Mining
Modern Tools & Software
- AutoCAD / CS Mine for mine design
- VentSim for mine ventilation simulation
- Rocscience for rock mechanics analysis
- ModSim for mineral processing simulation
- QGIS / ArcView for spatial data management
Accreditation & Global Standards
The programme is structured to meet COREN accreditation requirements and aligns with Washington Accord benchmarks. The curriculum follows the NUC CCMAS (Core Curriculum and Minimum Academic Standards) framework, ensuring graduates are globally competitive and ready for professional practice.
COREN Accreditation In View NUC Approved CCMAS Compliant
Method of Application
Application forms for National and International Applicants can be completed online at CUSTECH Admission Portal (https://custech.edu.ng/2025-2026-admissions/) at the prescribed fee. Payment can be made online through electronic payment platforms or through cash deposits at designated banks.
