The 2026 International Conference of the Faculty of Engineering, Nnamdi Azikiwe University, Awka, kicked off with great enthusiasm and promise.
The Faculty of Engineering, UNIZIK, launched its two-day International Hybrid Conference at the ASUU NAU Secretariat, UNIZIK, on Wednesday, 11th February, 2026, poised to drive transformative change. The conference theme, “Sustainable Engineering for a Resilient Future,” was hailed as timely and urgent by the Chairman of the occasion, Hon. Engr. Dom Okafor, as it tackles the global challenge of engineering systems, societies, and solutions that adapt and uplift in the face of climate change, technological disruption, and socio-economic volatility. Hon. Okafor emphasized the importance of committing to engineering hope through building bridges and laying the foundations for a future that is not only resilient but radiant.
While declaring the 2026 International Hybrid Conference open, the Vice-Chancellor of Nnamdi Azikiwe University (UNIZIK), Awka, Prof. Ugochukwu Bond Stanley Anyaehie, represented by the Acting Deputy Vice-Chancellor, Prof. Hilda Osisioma, affirmed that the conference theme resonates deeply with his administration’s vision for UNIZIK. Prof. Anyaehie noted that the Faculty of Engineering is pivotal in driving innovation and progress, as demonstrated by their remarkable research output, and encouraged the Faculty to take the next step by patenting their products and innovations. The VC commended Prof. Ugochukwu Okonkwo and his team of organizing committee for putting up a colourful and successful academic programme.
In his Keynote address, the Honourable Minister for Works, Sen. Engr. Dave Umahi CON, FNSE, represented by Engr. Dr. Marcus Ugwuanyi, informed that the conference is visionary, forward-looking, and firmly aligned with developmental imperatives of the nation. The Minister assured the university that the Federal Ministry of Works is open and committed to collaboration in the areas of research, innovation, capacity building, and knowledge exchange to ensure that Nigerian Engineers are not only globally competitive but relevant in their various fields.
Earlier in his address of welcome, the Dean of the Faculty of Engineering, UNIZIK, Prof. Ugochukwu Okonkwo, informed that the international conference provides a platform for presentation of research findings and reviews which will spur intellectual discourse among researchers, engineers, policymakers, and industry leaders. Prof. Okonkwo affirmed that Engineering plays a vital role in shaping a sustainable tomorrow, which can be achieved by rethinking, redesigning, and rebuilding all available systems in order to have a revamped and sustained world. The Dean appreciated the University Vice-Chancellor for his support and assistance to the Faculty, as well as the organizing committee for the success of the programme.
Lead Paper Presenters, such as Prof. Michael Ngadi from McGill University, Canada, who spoke on the topic, “Engineering and Sustainable Food Systems”, and Dr. Eni Oko of Newscastle University, England, who delivered a lecture on “Hydrogen transport and storage: The missing link in a Resilient hydrogen economy”, presented their papers. Goodwill messages were received from top executives of ELDI, SEDI, NEDDI, ASMTL, RMRDC, and PRODA.
The ceremony also featured award presentations and exhibition displays of the products of the various departments of the Faculty.
