MOUAU Hosts 4th Global Engineering Summit, Advocates for Dedicated Innovation Fund
Michael Okpara University of Agriculture Umudike (MOUAU) in Abia State has successfully concluded its 4th International Engineering Conference, with a strong call for the creation of a dedicated innovation fund to bolster engineering-driven solutions across critical national sectors. The three-day event, held from March 25 to 27, 2026, at the university auditorium, focused on leveraging engineering innovations to enhance national security, strengthen the food value chain through advanced technology, promote sustainable energy, and support resilient economic growth.
Conference Theme and Participants
Themed "Engineering Innovations for a Resilient and Sustainable National Security, Food Value Chain, Energy, and Economic Advancement," the summit attracted a diverse array of participants. These included scholars, researchers, government officials, policymakers, industry experts, as well as postgraduate and undergraduate students from Nigeria and beyond. The gathering served as a platform for in-depth deliberations on the pivotal role of engineering in addressing both national and global challenges.
Key Addresses and Recommendations
In his keynote address, Engr. Mark Okoye, Managing Director/CEO of the South East Development Commission (SEDC), emphasized the necessity of increased funding for research and development in engineering and technology to drive large-scale innovation. He asserted that development must be deliberately engineered and cannot occur by chance. The Vice-Chancellor of MOUAU, Prof. Ursula Ngozi Akanwa, in her opening remarks, challenged attendees to engage in meaningful discussions and build cross-disciplinary and international partnerships, stressing the importance of translating research into actionable solutions with tangible societal impact.
The conference communiqué outlined several key recommendations:
- Establishment of dedicated innovation funds by the Federal Government and relevant stakeholders to support engineering-driven solutions in critical sectors.
- Increased private sector participation in research and development through tax incentives and public-private partnerships.
- Periodic review of engineering curricula to align with current global trends and industry needs.
- Investment in infrastructure such as innovation parks, fabrication laboratories, and workshops to facilitate technology transfer.
- Implementation of robust monitoring and evaluation frameworks to ensure effective execution of engineering-based development initiatives.
Notable Attendees and Closing Remarks
Prominent figures at the event included Dr. Lois Onyejere Nwobodo, MD/CEO of the Scientific Equipment Development Institute (SEDI); Engr. Valerie I. Agberagba, Deputy President of the Nigerian Society of Engineers; Prof. J.C. Adama, National Chairman of the Nigerian Institution of Agricultural Engineers (NIAE); and Prof. Aru Eze Okereke, Mayor of Arochukwu Local Government Area. Abia State Deputy Governor, Engr. Ikechukwu Emetu, represented by Commissioner Prof. Joel Ogbonna, commended the college for its leadership in engineering innovation and urged participants to develop practical solutions for energy and food insecurity in Nigeria and sub-Saharan Africa.
In closing, participants reaffirmed the fundamental role of engineering in driving national development and sustainability, expressing a commitment to continued collaboration and knowledge sharing. They called on all stakeholders to work collectively towards building a resilient and technologically advanced nation, with a focus on enhancing national security, strengthening the food value chain, ensuring energy sustainability, and accelerating economic growth in Nigeria.
