UNIZIK Deepens Industry Collaboration as EMENITE Moves to Enhance Practical Training for Architecture Students
Nnamdi Azikiwe University (UNIZIK), Awka, has continued to strengthen its drive towards industry-academia collaboration as EMENITE Company Limited, Enugu, a member of ETEX Nigeria, concluded plans with the University’s Department of Architecture to expose students to contemporary building technologies and professional best practices through a Product Seminar for Young Specifiers.
Ahead of the seminar, representatives of EMENITE Company Limited, alongside academic staff of the Department of Architecture, paid a courtesy visit to the Vice-Chancellor, Prof. Ugochukwu Bond Stanley Anyaehie, on Tuesday, July 7, 2026, to formally brief him on the initiative and seek the University’s support.
Receiving the delegation at his office, the Vice-Chancellor commended the partnership, describing it as a strategic initiative that aligns with the University’s vision of producing graduates who are not only academically sound but also equipped with the practical knowledge and industry exposure required to thrive in the modern professional environment.
Earlier, the Head of the Department of Architecture, Dr. Lynda Chinwendu Mbadugha, introduced members of the Department and representatives of EMENITE Company Limited to the Vice-Chancellor. She explained that the proposed seminar is designed to expose Architecture students to emerging industry trends, innovative building solutions, contemporary architectural designs, and best practices, with special emphasis on EMENITE’s roofing and building products.
According to Dr. Mbadugha, the collaboration demonstrates the Department’s commitment to integrating industry knowledge into academic training, thereby bridging the gap between classroom learning and professional practice. She added that the programme would provide students with firsthand experience of modern construction materials, innovative design concepts, and evolving technologies shaping the built environment.
In his response, Prof. Anyaehie applauded both the Department and EMENITE Company Limited for initiating the collaboration, stressing that stronger partnerships between universities and industry remain critical to promoting innovation, advancing research, and producing graduates with relevant professional competencies.
The Vice-Chancellor also invited EMENITE Company Limited to consider supporting the University through the renovation of the roof of Garba Square using the company’s roofing products. He noted that such a project would not only enhance the University’s infrastructure but also provide a practical showcase of the quality, durability, and reliability of EMENITE’s products.
He further observed that appropriately branding the completed project with the company’s identity would create lasting visibility for the brand while serving as a testament to the confidence EMENITE has in the quality of its products.
The visit highlighted the shared commitment of Nnamdi Azikiwe University and EMENITE Company Limited to fostering sustainable university-industry partnerships, promoting innovation, and enriching the educational experience of students through practical, industry-driven learning opportunities.
Members of the delegation included the Head of the Department of Architecture, Dr. Lynda Chinwendu Mbadugha; Arc. Dr. K. Chukwujindu; Arc. N. U. Nzewi; Arc. Dr. E. I. Kikanme; Arc. Dr. I. S. Ezennia; other lecturers from the Department of Architecture; and representatives of EMENITE Company Limited, Enugu, a member of ETEX Nigeria.