MOUAU Vice-Chancellor Urges Women Engineers to Maximise Manu-Tech UniPod Opportunities

The Vice-Chancellor of Michael Okpara University of Agriculture, Umudike (MOUAU), Professor Ursula Ngozi Akanwa, has urged members of the Association of Professional Women Engineers of Nigeria (APWEN) to take full advantage of the opportunities provided by the university's Manufacturing Technology Innovation Hub (Manu-Tech UniPod) to enhance their professional capacity, promote innovation and develop practical solutions to societal challenges.

Professor Akanwa made the call while receiving members of the APWEN Umuahia Branch during a courtesy visit to her office. She encouraged the engineers to remain innovative, creative and imaginative, while developing ideas that contribute to societal advancement.

The Vice-Chancellor described the state-of-the-art Manu-Tech UniPod as a strategic platform for:

• Technology-driven entrepreneurship
• Manufacturing innovation
• Research commercialisation
• Skills development
• Growth of Micro, Small and Medium Enterprises (MSMEs)

She noted that the facility would enable students, researchers and entrepreneurs to transform innovative ideas into marketable products while attracting strategic local and international partnerships.

According to her, the innovation hub will also:

• Create jobs
• Deepen industry collaboration
• Enhance MOUAU's contribution to Nigeria's economic development

Professor Akanwa further encouraged the Association to remain committed to promoting excellence, innovation and professional service.

Earlier, the Chairman of APWEN, Umuahia Chapter, Engineer Chibuogwu Nneka Okoro, said the Association has continued to promote the professional development of its members through:

• Continuing Professional Development (CPD) workshops
• Industrial visits to engineering facilities
• Career counselling programmes for female students at different educational levels

She commended the leadership of Professor Akanwa and pledged the Association's support towards advancing the university's vision.

Also speaking, an Ex-Officio of the Association and Head of the Department of Computer Engineering at MOUAU, Engineer Professor Ifeoma Nnochiri, reaffirmed APWEN's commitment to professionalism and high standards in engineering practice.

She expressed confidence that members of the Association would maximise the opportunities available at the MOUAU Manu-Tech UniPod to strengthen their skills, foster innovation and contribute meaningfully to national development.