…Invest in Nigerian Experts, Drive National Development
Date: 24 June, 2026
By Jane Daniel
Nigeria’s quest for industrialization and sustainable development may remain a mirage unless deliberate efforts are made to bridge the widening gap between classroom learning and real-world problem-solving, engineering experts have warned.
The warning came at the second edition of the “Beyond the Classroom: Research, Innovation and Digital Transformation for Young Engineers”, seminar organised by the University of Nigeria, Nsukka, Engineering Faculty Alumni Association (UNNEFAA) in collaboration with the African Centre of Excellence for Sustainable Power and Energy Development (ACE-SPED), held at the university.
At the heart of the discussions was a recurring concern: Nigerian universities continue to produce graduates, while industry increasingly demands innovators, problem-solvers and entrepreneurs capable of driving economic growth.
The Director of ACE-SPED and Co-Chairman of the event, Prof. Emenike Ejiogu, said the initiative was designed to expose students, researchers and young academics to practical innovations capable of addressing societal challenges.
The Professor of Electrical Engineering said universities must move beyond theoretical teaching and focus on translating research findings into solutions that impact lives.
“We want students to understand that education is not just about passing examinations. The real objective is solving problems in society. Research should leave the laboratory and find application in agriculture, healthcare, energy and industry,” he said.
Prof. Ejiogu lamented that many critical projects in Nigeria are still dominated by foreign companies despite the abundance of local expertise and called on the Federal Government and relevant agencies to deliberately invest in indigenous professionals and technologies.
“We have the expertise. What is required is political will. Government should dedicate a percentage of projects to local engineers, researchers and innovators. If given the opportunity, Nigerians will deliver,” he stated.
Also speaking, Co-Chairman of the workshop series, Prof. Samuel Enibe, noted that the programme was conceived after stakeholders identified a disconnect between engineering education and industry expectations.
He explained that the seminar was aimed at exposing students to experiences and skills that would better prepare them for life after graduation.
“There are gaps between the engineers we produce and the engineers needed by industry. This platform is helping to identify those gaps and provide practical solutions,” he noted.
In the area of renewable energy and agriculture, Professor of Agricultural and Bioresources Engineering, Prof. Wilfred Okonkwo, showcased research aimed at reducing production costs for poultry farmers.
He highlighted the development of the Trombe Wall System, a solar-powered technology that captures, stores and releases heat for poultry production, noting that it helps maintain suitable temperatures for day-old chicks without relying on costly electricity or fossil fuels.
According to him, the technology has the potential to lower production costs, improve food security and reduce environmental pollution associated with conventional energy sources.
Presenting a paper titled, “From Laboratory to Marketplace: The Role of Incubation Hubs in Engineering Innovation,” the Head of Industrial Technology and Innovation at ACE-SPED, Prof. Alon Razgour, challenged young Nigerians to focus on solving local problems rather than copying solutions from abroad.
Prof. Razgour, who is establishing an innovation incubation platform at the centre, said many successful global inventions originated from personal and community needs.
“If you want to create global solutions, start with local problems. Africa has a unique opportunity to take advantage of the Fourth Industrial Revolution and create technologies that improve lives on the continent,” he stated.
He stressed the importance of resilience, innovation and entrepreneurship, urging students to believe in themselves and transform ideas into viable products and businesses.
The seminar featured discussions on emerging technologies such as blockchain, automation and embedded systems, with lecturers, researchers and students highlighting their potential to address challenges in governance, healthcare, agriculture and industry.
Speakers maintained that Nigeria has the talent and ideas needed for development but requires stronger collaboration among government, industry and research institutions, as well as greater support for local innovation and indigenous expertise.
Participants said the programme broadened their understanding of blockchain beyond cryptocurrency and exposed them to innovative solutions, funding opportunities and practical applications of technology.
An award of recognition for excellence and contributions was presented to the University’s Deputy Vice-Chancellor (Administration), Prof. Michael Onyia.
