This post has already been read at least 11186 times!
The Faculty of Engineering, University of Nigeria, Nsukka (UNN), has called for major infrastructural development and increased investment in engineering education as it successfully hosted the 21st Herbert Macaulay Memorial Lecture (HMML).
Speaking during the event themed “Sustainable Engineering Practice for National Development: Innovative Solutions and Technological Advancement in an AI Era,” the Dean of the Faculty, Engr. Prof. Ikechukwu Christian Ezema Ike Eze, outlined several pressing needs of the faculty aimed at repositioning it for global competitiveness and technological advancement.
According to him, the faculty requires a one-storey building to serve as the Dean’s administrative hub and symbol of leadership, additional multi-storey departmental buildings, and a 1,000-capacity lecture theatre and auditorium to enhance teaching, research and collaboration.
Prof. Ike Eze also listed operational vehicles, including coaster buses, Hilux vans and salon cars for the Dean, Associate Dean and Heads of Departments, as critical needs to support fieldwork, industry engagements and community services. He further called for the renovation of the existing faculty complex as well as the old and new engineering lecture theatres.
The Dean commended past deans and notable alumni whose contributions, he said, had sustained the growth of the faculty and the legacy of the Herbert Macaulay Memorial Lecture.
He specifically acknowledged the support of His Royal Highness, Igwe Engr. Augustine Otiji, for donating the Computer Communication Centre during his tenure as Director-General of the Nigerian Telecommunications Limited (NITEL), as well as the late Engr. Dr. Emmanuel Chukwuma Nnama and Engr. Dr. Edu Okeke, Managing Director of Azura Power, who donated a 240KW solar park to the faculty in November 2024.
Other benefactors recognised included Engr. Fubara Okoroafor for donating the POWERTRON building, Engr. Uzoma Oguike for donating the Biomedical Engineering building, the Dean’s official car and an 18-seater faculty bus, and Engr. Emma Ezekwe, President of the UNN Engineering Faculty Alumni Association, who recently replaced damaged seats in the New Engineering Lecture Theatre.
Prof. Ike Eze also lauded the Vice-Chancellor, Prof. Simon Uchenna Ortuanya, for his support and approvals, while appreciating the HMML chairman, lecturers, keynote speakers, symposium organisers and members of the planning committee for ensuring the success of the event.
Chairman of the 21st HMML and Special Adviser to the President of the Senate and Chairman of the National Assembly, Engr. Ikechukwu Newton Abonyi Ugwuegede, described Herbert Macaulay as a nationalist whose contributions extended beyond engineering into nation-building.
He noted that engineering remained central to national development, stressing that roads, bridges, rail systems, housing, water infrastructure and digital connectivity were all societal problems requiring engineering solutions.
Ugwuegede, a member of the UNN 1982 graduating class, challenged the faculty to embrace innovation and continuous reinvention in order to remain relevant in a rapidly evolving technological world.
“The world our students are entering today is radically different from the one we graduated into decades ago. Technologies are evolving faster than curricula, and industry demands are changing rapidly. To remain relevant, the faculty must embrace continuous reinvention,” he stated.
He further advocated increased support for lecturers through training, research grants and international collaborations, expressing confidence that UNN could continue to shape the future of engineering education in Nigeria.
Delivering insights on artificial intelligence, the Herbert Macaulay Memorial Lecturer and Chief Executive Officer of Educare Technologies Ltd, Engr. Alex Onyia, urged educational institutions to fully embrace AI-driven learning.
According to him, artificial intelligence possesses the capacity to perform complex tasks faster and more efficiently, adding that universities must adapt to new methods of teaching and learning.
“We should rely more on AI and teach our children how to ask questions. AI knows far more than any individual, and it can help students access more information and solve more complex problems,” Onyia said.
He dismissed fears that artificial intelligence would discourage reading culture, arguing instead that AI could help users filter unnecessary information and focus on productivity and innovation.
Also speaking, the Minister of Innovation, Science and Technology, Dr. Kingsley Tochukwu Udeh, represented by the Director-General and Chief Executive Officer of the Project Development Institute (PRODA), Enugu, Dr. Peter Ogbobe, described the lecture as a celebration of the enduring legacy of Herbert Macaulay.
He noted that Nigeria now possesses more technological tools, data systems and a vibrant youthful population capable of driving innovation and national transformation.
The event featured the presentation of awards to distinguished engineers, alumni and special guests, including Engr. Ikechukwu Newton Abonyi Ugwuegede, Engr. Alex Onyia, Dr. Mustapha Abdullahi, represented by Associate Prof. Ifeanyi Okafor, His Royal Majesty Igwe Sir Samuel Ikechukwu Asadu, Major General Victor Okwudili Ezeugwu (rtd), Engr. Dr. Ogungbenro Oluwaseyi Akinyele and Engr. Michael Ogbuekwe, among others.
This post has already been read at least 11186 times!
About the Author
