ASCE delegates with the Civil Engineering lecturers.
The American Society of Civil Engineers (ASCE) Nigeria International Section (NIS) recently hosted a groundbreaking outreach program at Igbinedion University Okada (IUO), marking a significant milestone in strengthening global ties and advancing civil engineering education in Nigeria. The event, organized in partnership with IUO’s Department of Civil Engineering, drew faculty, students, and industry stakeholders, all eager to explore opportunities for professional growth and international engagement.
The program commenced with inspiring opening remarks from Professor R. U. Azike, Dean of Engineering at IUO, who lauded ASCE NIS for selecting IUO’s Civil Engineering Department as a focal point for this initiative. He described the collaboration as an “inspiring privilege” that will empower students to access cutting-edge resources, participate in global competitions, and align with international engineering standards. The Dean also expressed optimism about the future establishment of an ASCE Student Chapter at IUO, which would serve as a vital bridge connecting students to worldwide opportunities.
Dr. Mrs. Maryann Ezugwu, Head of IUO’s Civil Engineering Department, emphasized the importance of seizing this unique opportunity. She urged students to leverage the partnership to enhance their academic and professional trajectories through innovation, networking, and skill development facilitated by ASCE’s platform.
The Chairman of Students Activities and Outreach Committee, Engr. Kingsley Erifeta representing the President, Engr. Austin Odibi.
A goodwill message from Engr. Augustine Odibi, President of ASCE NIS, was delivered by Engr. Kingsley Erifeta. He congratulated IUO’s civil engineering community on embracing this partnership and highlighted the benefits of joining the global ASCE family—access to extensive technical resources, mentorship programs, international competitions, and research collaborations. Engr. Erifeta encouraged students and faculty to actively participate in ASCE’s mission of fostering excellence and innovation in civil engineering.
The presentation by ASCE Student Activities and Outreach Committee Chairman shed light on the advantages of establishing a student chapter, including access to digital libraries, journals, and technical resources; participation in competitions like the Concrete Canoe and Sustainable Solutions; mentorship opportunities; and collaboration with ASCE chapters worldwide. The Chairman emphasized that forming a student chapter at IUO would catalyze academic and professional development.
Cross-section of ASCE Nigeria Section delegates with the Students and Staff of Igbinedion University, Okada.
Additionally, Engr. Ahmed Ayinla, ASCE NIS Publicity Unit Chairman, delivered an insightful career guidance session. He discussed emerging fields such as smart infrastructure, environmental sustainability, and urban resilience, advising students on strategies to thrive in the global job market. His presentation also covered ASCE certifications, internships, and the importance of lifelong learning in a rapidly evolving industry.
Furthermore,Engr. Mrs. Faith Akhimeh, MNSE, M.ASCE, IUO’s ASCE Students’ Advisor, expressed gratitude to ASCE NIS for providing such a comprehensive platform for civil engineering students and encouraged them to maximize the opportunities offered. The event concluded with enthusiastic feedback from students and faculty, many of whom expressed keen interest in joining ASCE and participating in upcoming initiatives. Faculty members pledged support to incorporate ASCE resources into their curricula, further fostering professional growth.
Outcome and Future Prospects
The outreach program successfully ignited a spirit of ambition and collaboration among IUO’s civil engineering community. It underscores the university’s commitment to nurturing internationally competitive engineers and aligns with ASCE NIS’s mission to expand its impact across Nigeria.
A total of seven faculty members and students from IUO’s Civil Engineering Department attended the event, which is expected to pave the way for the establishment of an ASCE Student Chapter at IUO and similar initiatives nationwide.
For a better society
Follow us across our platforms:
Instagram – https://www.instagram.com/championnewsonline/
Facebook – https://web.facebook.com/championnewsonline
LinkedIn – https://www.linkedin.com/company/champion-newspapers-limited/
https://x.com/championnewsng/
You can also like and comment on our YouTube videos.
https://youtu.be/QIBfD1tT80w?si=R4Qf3so2LxYu3GC2
