MOUAU Inducts 742 Engineering Graduates, Charges New Engineers to Practise with Diligence and Grit

Michael Okpara University of Agriculture, Umudike (MOUAU), has charged its newly inducted engineering graduates to practise their profession with diligence, resilience, discipline and grit as they begin their professional careers.

The Vice-Chancellor of the university, Prof. Ursula Ngozi Akanwa, gave the charge at the 2026 Engineering Graduates Induction and Oath-Taking Ceremony of the College of Engineering and Engineering Technology (CEET), where 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, Akanwa described the induction as a significant transition from academic training to professional practice and a testament to the graduates' accomplishments and potential.

She commended COREN and NSE for maintaining high standards in engineering education and for consistently recognising the achievements of MOUAU's engineering staff and students over the years.

The Vice-Chancellor also reaffirmed the university's commitment to providing outcome-based and transformational engineering education while promoting responsible research and innovation without borders.

She urged the inductees to remain worthy ambassadors of the university as they take on the challenges and opportunities of the engineering profession.

“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,” Akanwa stated.

In 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 acquired during their training with discipline and responsibility.

They emphasised that engineering is not merely a profession but also a responsibility to address societal needs.

The representatives urged the new engineers to deploy competence, discipline and innovation in developing sustainable solutions to societal challenges, stressing that an engineering certificate from MOUAU provides a global platform for competence and ethical integrity.

In his welcome address, the Dean of CEET, Engr. Prof. Bethrand Nduka Nwankwojike, described the induction as the official launchpad for a new generation of complex problem-solvers and a celebration of the college's legacy of producing innovative leaders.

He noted that CEET-MOUAU has secured 16 patents and earned global recognition for its contributions.

Nwankwojike charged the inductees to remember that the engineering profession is founded on competence and character, adding that the oath and lapel pin they received represent sacred covenants to uphold and enforce professional conduct.

He further noted that, as graduates of a university of agriculture, the inductees 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.

Chukwueke also urged the graduates to identify opportunities where others see challenges and 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 the ceremony, the graduates pledged to uphold the ideals of the engineering profession, commit 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.