A cross section of pioneer engineering graduates.
By Anietie Akpan
The Faculty of Engineering and Technology, University of Calabar (Unical), has churned out its first set of graduates, just as the Vice Chancellor of the institution, Prof. Florence Obi urged the graduands to remain committed to life-long learning, innovation and excellence.
It could be recalled that the Faculty of Engineering was established in 2016 and achieved full accreditation from the National Universities Commission (NUC) in 2024, and the Council for the Regulation of Engineering in Nigeria (COREN) in 2025.
Speaking at the Unical International Conference Centre, during the First Engineering Graduates Induction/ Oath Taking Ceremony on Friday, April 25, the Vice Chancellor who was represented by the Deputy Vice Chancellor, Research, Linkages and Collaborations, Prof. Peter Okafor in a release In a release from the Public Relations Unit, University, congratulated the pioneer graduates of the Faculty for the exceptional feat.
She urged them to apply the knowledge and skills acquired in the course of their professional development to make meaningful contributions to society.
Prof. Obi said as certified engineers they must be creative and innovative if they must excel in their profession.
The University helmsman said it is not the class of their degree that matters, but their ability to acquire and utilize their practical experiences in solving societal problems.
She said, “As an institution, we are happy to churn out our first set of Engineering students. This is historic. We are also proud of the exceptional feat you have attained as pioneer graduates of the Faculty of Engineering.
“The world needs talented individuals like you to solve engineering and societal problems”.
Also speaking, the Dean of the Faculty, Engr. Prof. Odey Osha described the event as a significant milestone, not only in the lives of the graduands, but also for the institution, adding that, the faculty is elated to graduate the very first set of Engineering Innovators who will pave way for a future rich in potentials and progress.
He acknowledged the hard work, dedication, and perseverance of the inductees, which he said, is a reflection of their intellectual knowledge, resilience and commitment to purpose and vision.
The Dean also appreciated the Faculty members for their unwavering dedication, mentorship and vision, which according to him, laid the foundation for an academic environment that nurtures ingenuity, critical thinking, and a passion for the Engineering profession.
Engr. Osha said the commitment and dedication of staff members was the cornerstone for the achievement of full NUC and COREN accreditation of programmes in the Faculty.
He thanked parents and guardians for trusting the Faculty and standing with their wards through the challenging times, adding; “your encouragement have been instrumental in bringing them to this proud day”.
While commending the Vice Chancellor for her visionary leadership and unwavering support, he said her dedication has been pivotal to the completion of abandoned projects, and the initiation and completion of new ones, which he said, significantly transformed the Faculty.
Engr. Osha expressed confidence that the knowledge and skills gained by the graduates will empower them to address the engineering challenges of the world, whether it is in sustainable development, technological innovation, or infrastructural advancement.
The President, Nigerian Society of Engineers (NSE), Engr. Margaret Oguntala, in her remarks, congratulated the inductees for being the first set of graduates from the Faculty.
Represented by a member of the Presidential Advisory Committee of NSE, Engr. Obasi-Sam, the President urged the graduands to be guided by their actions as every action they take rubs on the image of the Faculty and the University.
While urging them to be good ambassadors of their Alma mata, she said their presence cannot be felt by showcasing their certificates but by the solutions they bring to the table.
Describing them as problem-solvers, she charged them to think outside the box by being innovative and responsive to the emerging trends in engineering.
The Induction Lecturer, Engr. Prof. Samson Duna, Director-General/ CEO, Nigerian Building and Road Research Institute, who spoke on “Emerging Trends in Engineering” said the engineering profession is undergoing transformation, charging the graduands to embrace current trends in engineering.
Represented by the Director, Exams & Results, University of Cross River State (Unicross), Dr. Anderson Etika, the induction lecturer urged them to be technologically driven and be ethical in their practice.
He said, “You must be innovative and go with emerging trends in engineering. Don’t deviate from your area of specialization. Stay in your lane”.
The Best graduating Student, Emmanuel Lemuel Praise thanked the University Management for providing the enabling environment for them to achieve their academic dreams.
He appreciated lecturers and other members of staff for their support and encouragement, saying posterity will be kind to them.
The event featured goodwill messages from invited guests, including the National President, Association of Professional Women Engineers (APWEN), Engr. Dr. Adebisi Osim.
Highpoint of the event was the administration of oath on the graduands and the presentation of awards to outstanding students.
