Unlocking Innovation: Engineering Summit at UNICAL

On January 24th, 2025, the University of Calabar hosted an Engineering Excellence Summit. The theme of the event was “Unlocking Engineering Students’ Potentials Through Innovations and Best Practices.”

The summit was organized by the Royal Academy of Engineering (RAEng) and the HEPSSA Spoke University Project Office,(2425-5-1000-116) highly represented by the University of Calabar HEPSSA SPOKEPERSON: ENGR. DR. CO.O.OMOYI

The event was held in the Electrical Engineering Lecture Theatre at the Faculty of Engineering and Technology, University of Calabar. The university is a respected institution in Nigeria, known for its efforts in improving education in engineering and technology.

The event aimed to help engineering students gain new skills, develop innovative ideas, and connect with professionals in the field. It provided a platform to discuss practical solutions to engineering challenges and promote collaboration between students, industry leaders, and educators.

Speakers and Highlights

Experienced speakers from different fields where invited to share their knowledge and guide the students. they were:

• Brigadier General SA Mohammed: An experienced military professional who also is an engineer and an academic doctor, highlighted the role of engineering research in enhancing national defense capabilities. His presentation emphasized the need for collaboration between military agencies and academic institutions.
• Engr. Tgst. Emmanuel Ntiti: A seasoned technical expert who provided practical insights into innovation in engineering education and its applications in the real world.
• Engr. Mrs. Eme Nya: Vice Chairman of APWEN (Association of Professional Women Engineers of Nigeria) Calabar Branch, as well as the Project Manger: Basmak Engineering Nigeria Ltd. She shared her experiences in leadership and project management while advocating for increased mentorship for young engineers.
• Engr. Dr. Ini Lawrence IKPE: As the Regional Procurement Operations Manager at Lafarge Africa Plc, he provided an industry perspective on project execution, procurement strategies, and the role of engineers in creating sustainable solutions.
• Eteng Wofai-Favoured: Nimeche President Elect and APWEN collegiate, she emphasized the importance of gender inclusion in engineering and the need to mentor young women aspiring to join the profession.

Program and Sessions

The summit included three key sessions:

1. Design Thinking for Problem-Solving
   Students learned how to use design thinking, a step-by-step method for solving problems creatively and practically.
2. Guidelines for Innovation in Engineering
   This session showed students how to come up with new ideas and use them to improve their projects and research.
3. Collaborative Entrepreneurship for Military Research: Nanotechnology in Perspective
   Participants explored how nanotechnology can be used in military research and how teamwork and business ideas can drive innovation.

Goals and Objectives

The main goals of the summit were:

1. To teach students how to solve engineering problems using design thinking and creative methods.
2. To encourage students to think about innovation and how they can apply it in real-life engineering tasks.
3. To promote entrepreneurship by exploring how engineers can work on business ideas, especially in areas like military research and nanotechnology.
4. To support diversity in engineering, with a focus on mentoring young women.
5. To strengthen collaboration between universities, industries, and organizations.
6. Students learned practical problem-solving skills and how to apply them to real-life challenges.
7. The event strengthened the link between universities and industries, giving students opportunities to connect with professionals.
8. It inspired students to explore entrepreneurship and innovative research, especially in areas like nanotechnology.
9. The event encouraged more women to join engineering and take on leadership roles.
10. It set the foundation for future collaborations between the university, industry, and international partners.

Organizers and Partners

The success of the event was made possible through collaboration among multiple organizations:

1. Royal Academy of Engineering (RAEng): A UK-based organization that helps improve engineering education in sub-Saharan Africa through its HEPSSA initiative.
2. HEPSSA Spoke University Project Office: This office manages HEPSSA activities at the University of Calabar.
3. University of West Scotland (UWS): An academic partner that brought international ideas and experience to the event.
4. Meru University of Science and Technology (MUST) – Located in Meru, Kenya. It offers various undergraduate and postgraduate programs in fields like engineering, information technology, health sciences, agriculture, and business.
5. Bahir Dar University (BDU) – Situated in Bahir Dar, Ethiopia. It’s one of the largest universities in Ethiopia, offering diverse programs ranging from engineering and natural sciences to humanities and social sciences.
6. The WEEE Centre (Waste Electrical and Electronic Equipment Centre)- is an organization based in Kenya that focuses on managing electronic waste (e-waste) responsibly. It was established to provide sustainable solutions for the collection, recycling, and disposal of e-waste in an environmentally friendly manner.
7. Eco-Packaging PLC, based in Ethiopia, is a company focused on producing sustainable and eco-friendly packaging solutions.
8. Abubakar Tafawa Balewa University (ATBU) – Located in Bauchi, Nigeria. ATBU is a federal university of technology specializing in engineering, sciences, and technology-oriented courses.
9. Lagos State University of Science and Technology (LASUSTECH) – Previously Lagos State Polytechnic, this university is in Ikorodu, Lagos, Nigeria. It focuses on science, technology, and vocational studies.

The Engineering Excellence Summit was a major step in developing engineering education and skills at the University of Calabar. By focusing on innovation, collaboration, and diversity, the event gave students the tools and inspiration they need to succeed in their careers. It also highlighted the university’s role as a leader in advancing engineering and technology in Nigeria.