By Ikemefuna Ikem
The President of the University of Nigeria Engineering Faculty Alumni Association (UNNEFAA), Mr Emmanuel Ezekwe, an engineer, 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 yesterday while delivering the Keynote Address during the joint 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), seminar/workshop series 2.
Themed: "Beyond the Classroom: Research Innovation and Digital Transformation for Young Engineers," aimed at equipping lecturers, postgraduate students, final-year students, and young engineering graduates 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 like 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 emphasised 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 other paper presentations, Prof Alon Razgour, Head of the Industrial Technology & Innovation unit at ACE-SPED, UNN, 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.
Also, 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 for navigating the complex terrain of securing a research grant in a competitive environment.
He thought participants step-by-step strategies for writing a competitive research proposal that will earn them a grant from the 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.
“We want students to understand that education is not just about passing examinations. The real objective is solving problems in society. Research should leave the laboratory and find application in agriculture, healthcare, energy and industry,” 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 highlight of the occasion was the presentation of award of recognition by UNNEFAA to Prof Michael Onyia, Deputy Vice-Chancellor Administration, UNN, as the first alumnus of the Faculty of engineering to occupy such position in the history of the institution.
The occasion was co-chaired by Engr. Prof. Arthur Ekwue, and Engr. Prof. Samuel Enibe, the duo are alumni of the UNN Faculty of Engineering
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