By Damilola Samuel
The Michael Okpara University of Agriculture, Umudike (MOUAU) has inducted 742 new engineers into the profession, with the Vice-Chancellor, Prof. Ursula Ngozi Akanwa, urging them to recognise their professional responsibilities to society.
Akanwa gave the charge during the 2026 Engineering Graduates Induction and Oath Taking Administration Ceremony organised by the university’s College of Engineering and Engineering Technology.
She said the induction marked a major shift from academic training to professional practice, noting that the decisions engineers make can directly affect communities and the wider society.
“Today is not merely another ceremony, it is a moment of transition. It is a moment in which the academic journey culminates into professional calling,” she said.
The Vice-Chancellor urged the inductees to apply their knowledge to solving societal problems while maintaining integrity, diligence, professionalism and respect for the dignity of the engineering profession.
She also commended the Council for the Regulation of Engineering in Nigeria (COREN) and the Nigerian Society of Engineers (NSE) for their contributions to maintaining standards in engineering education and practice.
The Dean of the College, Engr. Prof. Bethrand Nduka Nwankwojike, urged the new engineers to match professional competence with good character.
He described the oath and lapel pin presented to the inductees as symbols of their commitment to ethical practice, rather than mere ceremonial items.
Nwankwojike encouraged them to become solution providers, ethical builders and innovative thinkers, while embracing continuous learning throughout their careers.
He disclosed that the College had recorded 16 patents and several national and international recognitions through its research activities.
The keynote speaker, Engr. Tochukwu Clinton Chukwueke, Fellow and Founder/CEO of Clintonel Innovation Centre, also called for stronger government support for engineering through appropriate policies, infrastructure and an enabling environment.
Speaking on “Engineering, the Future of Nigeria: Innovation, Ethics and Governance,” Chukwueke challenged the graduates to pursue excellence and use innovation to address national challenges.
Representatives of the COREN President, Engr. Prof. Sadiq Zubair Abubakar; NSE President, Engr. Ali Alimasuya Rabiu; and COREN Registrar, Engr. Prof. O.A.U. Uche, similarly urged the inductees to uphold discipline, excellence and professional responsibility.
The COREN President was represented by the Chairman, South-East Technical Committee, Engr. Prince Ejikeme Mgbema, while the NSE President was represented by Engr. Chris Nwachukwu of the NSE Umuahia Branch. The COREN Registrar was represented by the South-East Regional Officer, Engr. Peter Awunde.
Meanwhile, Ihekoronye ElPrince Chimeremeze of the Department of Computer Engineering emerged as the overall Best Graduating Student of the College.
