PROF. AKANWA CHARGES ENGINEERING GRADUATES TO PRACTISE PROFESSION WITH DILIGENCE, GRIT AS COREN, NSE INDUCT 742 MOUAU GRADUATES*
*PROF. AKANWA CHARGES ENGINEERING GRADUATES TO PRACTISE PROFESSION WITH DILIGENCE, GRIT AS COREN, NSE INDUCT 742 MOUAU GRADUATES*
_… Keynote Speaker Urges FG to Create Enabling Environment, Policies for Engineers to Thrive_
_… Iheokoronye ElPrince Emerges Overall Best Graduating Student with 4.75 CGPA_
*By Anyim Sunday Okorie, Ginger-Eke Collins and Joy Nlebedum*
The Vice-Chancellor of Michael Okpara University of Agriculture, Umudike (MOUAU), Prof. Ursula Ngozi Akanwa, has charged newly inducted engineering graduates of the University to practise their profession with diligence, resilience and grit.
Prof. Akanwa gave the charge at the 2026 Engineering Graduates Induction and Oath-Taking Ceremony of the College of Engineering and Engineering Technology (CEET), where a total of 742 graduates were inducted into the engineering profession by the Council for the Regulation of Engineering in Nigeria (COREN) and the Nigerian Society of Engineers (NSE).
Declaring the ceremony open, the Vice-Chancellor described the induction as a significant transition from academic training to professional calling and a testament to the graduates’ accomplishments and potential.
She commended COREN and NSE for upholding high standards in engineering education and for their consistent recognition of the achievements of MOUAU’s engineering staff and students over the years. She also reaffirmed the University’s commitment to providing outcome-based and transformational engineering education, as well as promoting responsible research and innovation without borders. According to her, the inductees must remain worthy ambassadors of the University as they go out to face the challenges and opportunities ahead. “Today is not merely another ceremony; it is a moment in which the academic journey culminates into professional calling. Bear in mind that you are ambassadors of this University. I implore you to practise your profession with diligence, dignity, resilience and grit so as to bring transformational changes in the society,” Prof. Akanwa stated”.
In their separate remarks, the President of COREN, Engr. Prof. Sadiq Zubair Abubakar, represented by the Chairman, South-East Technical Committee of COREN, Engr. P. C. Mgbemena; the President of the Nigerian Society of Engineers, Engr. A. A. Rabiu, represented by the Chairman, Umuahia Branch, Engr. Chris Nwankwo; and the COREN Registrar, Engr. Prof. O. A. U. Uche, represented by the South-East Regional Officer, Engr. Peter Awunde, charged the inductees to apply the knowledge they had acquired with discipline and responsibility. They noted that engineering is not merely a profession but a responsibility to meet societal needs.
They urged the new engineers to deploy competence, discipline and innovation in developing sustainable solutions to societal challenges, stressing that an engineering certificate from MOUAU is a global passport to competence and ethical integrity.
In his welcome address, the Dean of CEET, Engr. Prof. Bethrand Nduka Nwankwojike, described the induction as an official launchpad for a new generation of complex problem-solvers and a celebration of CEET-MOUAU’s legacy of producing innovative leaders, securing 16 patents and earning global recognition.
Prof. Nwankwojike charged the inductees to remember that the engineering profession is anchored on competence and character, adding that the oath and lapel pin they received represent sacred covenants to uphold and police professional conduct.
He further noted that, as graduates of a University of Agriculture, they possess the knowledge and capacity to contribute significantly to technological advancement, food security and sustainable development.
Delivering the keynote lecture, Engr. Tochukwu Clinton Chukwueke, an investor, ASHOKA Fellow and founder of Clintonel Innovation Centre, called on the Federal Government to pay serious attention to supporting engineers by creating an enabling environment, sound policies and adequate infrastructure to enable them perform their roles effectively in nation-building.
He also urged the graduates to identify opportunities where others see challenges and to build strategic relationships that would enhance their professional growth and impact.
The high point of the ceremony was the administration of the 10-point Pupil Engineer’s Oath and the Engineers’ Affirmation, during which the graduates pledged to uphold the ideals of the engineering profession, commit I to continuing professional development (CPD), engage in experiential learning and complete the mandatory one-year internship.
They also pledged to promote sustainability and public safety and to practise the profession with skill, conscience and dignity for the betterment of humanity.
Iheokoronye ElPrince Chimeremeze of the Department of Computer Engineering emerged as the overall best graduating student, with a 4.75 CGPA. He received an award alongside other outstanding graduates who distinguished themselves in their respective departments.
