By Chukwuka Ugokwe,
The All Progressives Grand Alliance(APGA) Senatorial Candidate for Anambra Central District, Hon Dozie Nwankwo, has praised engineering professionals, describing them as nation builders and wealth creators.
Hon Nwankwo was speaking during the Year 2026 Unizik Faculty of Engineering Lecture Series, themed “Engineering Pathways To Economic Sustainability: Unlocking Opportunities In Agripreneurship, Oil and Gas, and Beyond”
“I am not an Engineer, but I had the basic knowledge, passion, and ideas that got me to where I am today,” he said.
At the event held at ASUU Secretariat Hall, Awka, he described the theme as apt, marking the beginning of sustainable relationships that could open new vista of opportunities.
Nwankwo, who was Chairman on the occasion, described the profession as the driving engine of economic development, urging them to practicalise their training by showcasing their competence and producing goods for the nation.
Declaring the Lecture Series open, the UNIZIK Vice-Chancellor, Prof. Ugochukwu Bond Stanley Anyaehie, commended the Faculty for choosing a theme critical to societal growth and national development.
In her keynote address, the Secretary to the Anambra State Government, Mrs Chiamaka Nnake, admonished engineers to create value to build the sector and drive national development.
In his remarks, the Dean, Faculty of Engineering, UNIZIK, Engr. Prof. Ugochukwu Okonkwo, highlighted that the lecture was part of its efforts to reach out to experts in other fields and other partners in the development of the faculty.
He further sought the collaboration of partners on training, scholarships, grants, and other strategic partnerships to promote a sustainable “Town-Gown” relationship.
“We integrated the town and gown to ensure that engineering is not only practiced in the classroom.
“There are other stakeholders that must be taken into account and this very occasion acted as a platform that enabled that to be done”
Chairman, Organising Committee, Engr Prof Louis Orakwe, expressed the readiness of the faculty to strengthen its commitment to excellence through advancement of education and innovation.
Contributing, a Chieftain of APC in Anambra State, Engr Johnbosco Onunkwo, stated that the faculty made him into the professional that he became, attributing his success story to the solid background he received in the faculty.
The Lecture Series also featured the presentation of awards of excellence to policymakers, industry leaders, public administrators, and education stakeholders for their contributions to the energy and agricultural sectors.
