…describes the UNIZIK engineering induction as a symbol of readiness to practice.
Awka, Anambra State — The iNews Times | Over 500 graduands of the Faculty of Engineering at Nnamdi Azikiwe University were formally admitted into the profession during the institution’s maiden engineering induction and oath-taking ceremony for the 2024/2025 academic session.
Fourteen graduates who earned First-Class honours across various engineering disciplines received cash awards at the ceremony organised in collaboration with the Council for the Regulation of Engineering in Nigeria and the Nigerian Society of Engineers.
Speaking on the theme Engineering Professionalism and Ethics, COREN President, Engr. Prof. Sadiq Abubakar, represented by the Council’s South-East representative, Engr. Ejike Mgbemena, revealed that about 114 universities currently offer engineering education through more than 500 programmes nationwide.
He noted that the available resources could produce at least 10,000 engineering graduates if effectively managed and pledged the council’s commitment to strengthening collaboration between academia and industry.
Abubakar emphasised that such collaboration could be achieved through the triple-helix model, including faculty sabbaticals in industry and adjunct appointments for industry experts in universities to bridge skill gaps and enhance professional competencies.
Declaring the ceremony open, Vice-Chancellor of the university, Prof. Ugochukwu Ayaehie, represented by Deputy Vice-Chancellor (Academics), Prof. Alex Asigbo, congratulated the graduands and urged them to serve as worthy ambassadors of the institution.
He stressed that the engineering profession remains central to Nigeria’s development and challenged the new professionals to explore innovative solutions capable of improving citizens’ lives and boosting local content development.
Guest speaker and Chief Executive Officer of Femex Technology Nigeria Limited, Engr. Emeka Okafor, expressed concern over the growing presence of unqualified practitioners in the profession and encouraged the graduands to uphold excellence, integrity, competence and continuous learning.
Okafor also highlighted challenges confronting the profession, including confidentiality issues, environmental concerns, pressure to compromise standards and conflicting client interests, noting that mentorship remains critical in addressing these challenges.
Earlier, Dean of the Faculty of Engineering, Engr. Prof. Ugochukwu Okonkwo, described the UNIZIK engineering induction as a symbol of readiness to practice while upholding the highest standards of ethics, competence and service to society.
He reminded the inductees that engineering extends beyond technical calculations, stressing that their designs, innovations and professional decisions would significantly impact communities, industries and future generations.
