The President of the University of Nigeria Engineering Faculty Alumni Association
(UNNEFAA), Engr. Emmanuel Ezekwe has urged Nigerian engineers to focus on solving real-world problems by creating
impactful innovations and contributing to the country’s economic and social development.
Ezekwe gave the charge in Nsukka on Wednesday while delivering the Keynote Address during a seminar jointly organized by UNNEFAA, Africa Centre of Excellence for Sustainable Power and Energy Development (ACE-SPED), University of Nigeria, Nsukka (UNN), and the Renewable Energy and Environmental Research Group (BREEEG).
With the theme: “Beyond the Classroom: Research Innovation and Digital Transformation for Young Engineers,” the seminar aimed at equipping lecturers, postgraduate students and final-year students and with practical insights into academic excellence, industry readiness,
research funding, innovation commercialization, entrepreneurship, among others.
Speaking on the topic, “Beyond the Classroom: Preparing Engineers for Leadership, Innovation and Impact in a Rapidly Changing World,”
Ezekwe said that engineers should move beyond theoretical concepts to tackle chronic challenges in healthcare access, food security, and climate adaptation in their direct communities.
According to him, “The engineering profession is undergoing rapid transformation driven by advances in artificial intelligence, digital technologies, automation, renewable energy, globalization, and evolving workforce demands.
“In this environment, academic qualifications alone
are no longer sufficient to guarantee professional success and technical competence.
“Engineers must develop
broader competencies that enable them to adapt, innovate, lead, and create value
beyond traditional technical roles.
“Engineers should focus on solving real-world problems, creating impactful innovations, and contributing to economic and social development,” he said.
Speaking further, the UNNEFAA President advocates for curriculum reform, encourages students, researchers, academics,
and young professionals to embrace continuous learning, collaboration, innovation, and
service.
He emphasized the importance of stronger links between academia,
industry, entrepreneurship, and society to produce graduates who are not only employable but capable of creating opportunities for others.
“I therefore urged participants to look beyond the classroom and
position themselves as future leaders, innovators, entrepreneurs, and problem-solvers capable of driving sustainable development and technological transformation in Nigeria, Africa, and beyond,” Ezekwe added.
In a paper presented by Prof Alon Razgour, Head of the Industrial Technology & Innovation Unit at
ACE-SPED, UNN, whó spoke on the topic, “From Laboratory to Marketplace: The Role of Incubation Hubs in Engineering Innovation.”
He guided the participants on how to transform scientific and engineering research into commercially viable products, guiding projects from early-stage concept and prototyping through user-centred design, manufacturing, regulatory considerations, and market implementation.
Speaking, Prof Wilfred Okonkwo, Head of Unit, Principal Investigator, BREEEG, in his presentation, titled” Winning Research Grants: Strategies for Young Academics and Researchers,” provided a structured guide and tips in navigating the complex terrain of securing a research grant in a competitive global environment.
He thought participates step-by-step strategies for writing good research proposal that will earn them grant from any funding institutions.
Earlier in a remark, Prof Emenike Ejiogu, Director of ACE-SPED UNN, said that the seminar is targeted at preparing young engineers, researchers,
academics, and graduates for excellence in academia, industry, innovation, entrepreneurship, and technology-driven development.
“The programme seeks to inspire participants, especially final year and post graduate students to become globally relevant professionals capable of developing sustainable engineering solutions, conducting impactful research, building innovative businesses, and advancing transformative technologies for Nigeria and Africa,” he said.
Ejiogu commended UNNEFAA and BREEEG for their support and collaboration, as well as the UNN authority for providing them with the enabling environment to host the seminar.
The high point of the occasion was the presentation of award of recognition by UNNEFAA to Prof Michael Onyia, Deputy Vice-Chancellor Administration, UNN, being the first alumnus of the Faculty of Engineering to occupy the position of Deputy Vice-chancellor in the history of UNN
The occasion was co-chaired by Engr. Prof. Arthur Ekwue, and Engr. Prof. Samuel Enibe, both are alumni of the Faculty of Engineering UNN