Maduka University Leads Symposium on Local Engineering Solutions in Nigeria

Experts have affirmed that Nigeria has the potential to address its challenges through innovation and the application of local engineering solutions. This assertion was made during a one-day symposium themed 'Local Content Solutions for Engineering Problems in Nigeria,' organized by the Association of Professional Women Engineers in Nigeria (APWEN) Nsukka Chapter and Maduka University on Wednesday at the university's Ekwegbe campus.

The symposium highlighted the nation's paradox of widespread poverty amidst abundant resources, the shortage of engineering professionals for relevant jobs, and the misalignment between the engineering curriculum and industry requirements. These issues sparked a discussion on bridging the skills gap and maximizing the potential of local content.

The event, hosted by Maduka University, focused on four key sub-themes: Engineering Principles for Industrial Development, Basic Engineering Solutions for Critical Areas of Needs in Nigeria, Issues of the Curriculum and Engineering Training in Nigeria, and Engineering Survey of Natural and Human Resources in Nigeria. The goal was to develop a roadmap for genuine local content-based engineering practices in Nigeria.

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Maduka University's commitment to advancing local engineering solutions was evident throughout the symposium. Experts emphasized the necessity for Nigeria to create a comprehensive local content development policy in engineering practice. They recommended that the engineering curriculum focus on outcome-based parameters, invest in reverse engineering to adapt technology, promote leadership and entrepreneurial thinking in engineering, and domesticize engineering procedures by moving away from turnkey projects.

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Other recommendations included enhancing collaboration between the government and engineering practitioners, forming industry clusters and value chains reliant on local content, integrating engineering practices into sustainability policies, and encouraging interdisciplinary learning in engineering education.

In his opening remarks, Prof. Charles Ogbulogo, Vice-Chancellor of Maduka University, stressed the significance of leadership training in engineering practice. Dr. Sam Maduka Onyishi, the Chancellor, urged engineers to adopt an entrepreneurial mindset.

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Maduka University's role in this initiative underscores its dedication to fostering an environment where local engineering solutions can thrive. The symposium featured contributions from prominent experts and practitioners, including Prof. E.C. Ejiogu, Dean of Engineering at UNN; Prof. Ike-Eze; Prof. Izuchukwu Okafor; Prof. Chinenye Anyadike; Prof. Ozoemena Ani; Dr. E. C. Oriaku; and Dr. Edwin Ezema. It attracted key stakeholders in engineering, renowned scholars, professionals, practitioners, and students from the University of Nigeria, Nsukka (UNN), Maduka University, and other universities within Enugu State.

This collaborative effort, spearheaded by Maduka University, underscores the importance of leveraging local resources and expertise to address Nigeria's engineering challenges and pave the way for sustainable development.

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