UNIZIK Rewards 14 First-Class Engineering Graduands, Inducts over 500 into COREN

By Praise Chinecherem

Over 500 graduands of Faculty of Engineering, Nnamdi Azikiwe University, Awka, Anambra state were on Friday inducted into the profession during its maiden induction and oath taking of its 2024/2025 graduands.

Fourteen of the graduands who bagged first class in their various fields of engineering were rewarded with cash gifts at the event organized in collaboration with Council for Regulation of Engineering in Nigeria (COREN) and Nigerian Society of Engineers.

Speaking during the occasion themed, “Engineering Professionalism and Ethics” President of COREN, Engr Prof Sadiq Abubukar disclosed that about 114 universities offer engineering education with over 500 different programs.

Abubukar, represented by COREN Council Rep for Southeast Region, Engr Ejike Mgbemena said such robust resources could produce at least 10000 graduates in various fields if managed diligently.

He pledged the association’s readiness to facilitate much-needed synergy and partnership between academia and the industry.

“Such partnership can be achieved through compliance with the triple helix principle of sabbatical leave of faculty to the industry and adjunct appointment of successful captains of industry to universities to narrow the gap of industrial needs in terms of skills, competencies and proficiencies.

“We solicit support through continuous participation in the various training and capacity development activities, accreditation, assessment and other quality assurance activities, etc,” he added.

Declaring the event open, UNIZIK Vice-Chancellor, Prof. Ugochukwu Ayaehie congratulated the graduands for the feats attained, urging them to be good ambassadors of the institution as they launch into the wider society.

Ayaehie, represented by Deputy Vice Chancellor, Academics, Prof Alex Asigbo said Nigeria’s future is being shaped by engineering profession, challenging the graduands to start thinking of what to do to better lives of citizens.

“Your opportunities are limitless, including creation of local contents. I urge you to be good ambassadors of the university and your respective families. Always remember your alma mater,” he added.

The guest speaker and CEO Femex Technology Nigeria limited, Engr Emeka Okafor regretted growing number of quacks in the profession, urging the graduands to resist the temptation of chosing such short-cuts.

“There are more quacks than the professionals. Refuse to be part of incompetency. I encourage you to carry the spirit of excellence, technical competency, integrity and reliability and lifelong learning.

“Also remember you’re carrying a seed of a legend, Dr Nnamdi Azikiwe, a Pan Africanist who had changed the world. Be proud of the name of the institution you graduated from,” he stressed.

While highlighting numerous challenges facing the profession, namely confidentiality issues, environmental concerns, pressure to cut corners and conflicting client interests, Okafor underscored the place of mentorship as part of solution to the challenges

“As a toddler in Engineering, you must be humble enough to submit to leadership and mentoring. The sky will only be your starting point if you believe in yourself,” he added.

Earlier, Faculty Dean, Engr Prof Ugochukwu Okonkwo said the induction signified participants readiness not only to practice but also to uphold highest standards of integrity, ethics, competence and service.

“Engineering is more than calculations, machines, circuits or codes. It’s about improving lives, building sustainable systems, advancing technology and shaping the future.

“As you take this next step into the professional world, remember that your knowledge carries responsibility.

“The bridges you design, the system you build, the innovations you create and the decisions you make will impact communities, industries and generations to come,” he posited.