Faculty of Engineering, UNIZIK Holds Maiden Induction/Oath-Taking Ceremony.
The Faculty of Engineering, Nnamdi Azikiwe University (UNIZIK), Awka, in collaboration with the Council for the Regulation of Engineering in Nigeria (COREN) and the Nigerian Society of Engineers (NSE), has held its maiden Induction/Oath-Taking Ceremony for engineering graduands.
The historic event took place on Friday, 27th February, 2026, at the Zephaniah Madubuko Auditorium, UNIZIK, Awka.
Declaring the ceremony open, the Vice-Chancellor, Prof. Ugochukwu Bond Stanley Anyaehie, represented by the Deputy Vice-Chancellor (Academic), Prof. Alex Asigbo, congratulated the graduands and reminded them that the future of the nation rests on the shoulders of engineers. He challenged them to champion truly “Made-in-Nigeria” products with 100% local content, noting that Nigeria’s raw materials are often exported and re-imported as finished goods. He urged them to be worthy ambassadors of the University and to consider giving back through future endowments.
Chairman of the occasion and COREN Council Representative for the South-East Region, Prince Engr. Ejike Mgbemena, charged the graduands not to toy with their future but to become instruments of mentorship. He described engineering as a noble and admirable profession that must be protected with pride and integrity, assuring them that COREN remains available to guide them in their professional journey.
Speaking on behalf of the COREN President, Engr. Prof. Sadiq Zubair Abubakar, it was noted that about 114 universities currently offer engineering education in Nigeria, with over 500 programmes producing thousands of graduates annually. He highlighted COREN’s regulatory framework aligned with global best practices, including determination of carrying capacity, regulated admission quotas, student indexing, adoption of a 10-semester benchmark in line with the Washington Accord, and mandatory induction and oath-taking for engineering graduates. He reaffirmed COREN’s commitment to supporting institutions in maintaining professional standards.
In his welcome address, the Dean of the Faculty of Engineering, Engr. Prof. Ugochukwu C. Okonkwo, described the ceremony as a significant milestone in the academic and professional journey of the graduands. He emphasized that engineering goes beyond calculations and machines to improving lives, building sustainable systems, and shaping the future. He commended parents and guardians for their sacrifices and encouraged the inductees to uphold the Faculty’s values wherever they find themselves.
The Guest Speaker, Engr. Emeka Okafor, CEO of Femex Technology Nig. Ltd, urged the inductees to explore the vast opportunities within Nigeria rather than seeking greener pastures abroad. He noted that induction and oath-taking mark the transition from student to professional engineer and serve as a moral compass guiding ethical practice. He stressed the importance of adhering strictly to professional standards and ethical responsibilities.
Highlights of the ceremony included a grand academic procession led by the Dean, presentation of an Award of Excellence to the Vice-Chancellor, cultural displays, administration of the professional oath, and the formal induction of the graduands into the engineering profession.