Roads and Civil Engineering

Program Overview

The economic development of any nation relies heavily on its transport infrastructure. The Roads and Civil Engineering program at ISEST is a highly technical discipline focused on the design, construction, and maintenance of highways, urban streets, bridges, and drainage networks.

This program bridges the gap between general civil structures and heavy transportation engineering. Enrolling at the HND level and progressing to a B.Tech, students spend extensive time in soil mechanics labs, asphalt mixing centers, and active road construction sites. They master geometric road design, pavement thickness calculations, traffic flow dynamics, and heavy earthworks logistics. Graduates emerge fully prepared to manage heavy machinery workflows, run highway material quality control tests, and lead large-scale road infrastructure projects that stand up to heavy traffic and intense tropical weather.

Main Objectives

  • To teach the engineering principles of highway alignment, geometric design, and transport layout planning.
  • To master the mechanics of soils, aggregates, and bituminous materials (asphalt) used in road construction.
  • To build expert competency in interpreting engineering blueprints and drafting road profiles using specialized CAD software.
  • To train students in calculating pavement thickness profiles for both flexible (asphalt) and rigid (concrete) roadways.
  • To equip graduates with the skills to supervise large construction crews, manage earthmoving fleets, and execute cost-effective road maintenance.

Program Duration

3 Years

HND in Roads and Civil Engineering

1 Year

BTech in Highway and Transportation Engineering

Internship

Included at both levels

Study Options

Day and Evening Sessions

Skills Acquired

Graduates of the program will be proficient in:

  • Geometric Road Design: Mapping horizontal and vertical curves, super-elevations, and longitudinal profiles using software like AutoCAD Civil 3D and Mensura.
  • Pavement Material Quality Control: Executing standard laboratory tests, including modified Proctor compaction, California Bearing Ratio (CBR), and Marshall stability testing for asphalt mixes.
  • Topographic Staking & Layout: Utilizing Total Stations and GNSS equipment to stake out centerlines, embankments, cuts, and fills on site.
  • Hydrology & Drainage Engineering: Designing side gutters, culverts, catch basins, and retention systems to protect roads from water damage.
  • Earthworks Quantification: Calculating exact cut-and-fill volumes and managing heavy earthmoving equipment deployment schedules.
  • Road Maintenance Auditing: Executing pothole diagnostics, pavement cracking surveys, and planning cost-effective resurfacing overlays.

Target Audience

  • Baccalauréat/A-Level graduates with a strong foundation in mathematics and physics who want to work on large-scale infrastructure projects.
  • Site supervisors, survey assistants, or construction workers looking to upgrade their skills and achieve accredited engineering credentials.
  • Municipal technicians, urban transport agents, or logistics managers looking to gain a specialized technical edge.
  • Aspiring contractors, earthworks plant managers, and independent road infrastructure consultants.

Career Opportunities

Graduates can pursue roles such as:

  • Road Construction Site Supervisor / Highway Foreman
  • Pavement and Materials Laboratory Manager
  • Highway Design Assistant / CAD Technician
  • Earthworks Logistics Coordinator
  • Public Works Structural Inspector
  • Transportation Infrastructure Estimator
  • Independent Road Maintenance Contractor

Opportunities for Further Studies

  • Master’s degrees in Highway and Transportation Engineering, Geotechnical Engineering, Civil Infrastructure Management, or Traffic Engineering.
  • Professional Certifications in:
    • National Order of Civil Engineers (ONIGC) licensing
    • Advanced AutoCAD Civil 3D / Mensura Software Certifications
    • Project Management Professional (PMP)
    • Health, Safety, and Environment (HSE) Professional Certifications (OSHA, NEBOSH)

Connect. Engineer. Accelerate.
Build the arteries of commerce and development. Take control of heavy machinery, modern materials, and advanced design software to construct resilient highways and roads with the Roads and Civil Engineering program.