Driving the vision and mission of the AUN School of Engineering (SoE) program is a solid commitment to innovation in science and technology. The program aims to nurture students knowledgeable in the fundamentals of Engineering education and capable of pushing the boundaries of what is possible through their creativity, curiosity, and ingenuity.
As the AUN SoE prepares to graduate its pioneer class next year, its leadership, faculty, and staff are working extra hard to ensure that learning facilities meet industry standards in line with the School's curriculum. Presently, AUN offers four engineering programs – Electrical & Electronics, Chemical, Computer, and Telecommunications Engineering.
Interim Dean of SoE, Professor Abubakar Sadiq Hussaini, has assured that the School would become a model and reference point for world-class engineering education in Nigeria. This is as the School prepares to move into and occupy its newly completed purpose-built complex.
Welcome to the brand-new AUN School of Engineering Building.
Dr. Abubakar explained that the primary motivation for upgrading the SoE facilities and academic programs is to provide a more conducive learning environment and highly innovative student learning packages.
The Dean and his staff are excited about the new high-tech facility, equipped and fully furnished spaces for staff and student research, laboratories, seminar halls, faculty office spaces, and comfortable, well-equipped AUN-standard classrooms.
"Our new facilities are comparable to the best Engineering Schools in any good university in the world. The laboratories will become centers for innovative learning and engineering excellence for Nigeria and Africa", said the Dean.
"The new engineering building is a one-stop shop. The building will become the center for robotics, Artificial Intelligent (A.I.), renewable energy, converting raw materials into useful products and effective design and construction in the North East. The building is equipped with state-of-the-art laboratory equipment and emerging technology which are prerequisite in our modern world", said the Associate Professor of Telecommunications.
This expansion is accompanied by modifications to some of the Engineering programs, courses, and curriculum to align with the latest industry trends and demands.
This is coming as SoE prepares to roll out a new Civil Engineering program with specializations in Water Resources after fulfilling regulatory requirements. The Electrical/Electronics and Computer Engineering programs will also introduce brand-new innovative courses in Artificial Intelligence, Renewable Energy, and Robotics, which will elevate AUN to the pioneer Center for Robotics and Renewable Energy Research in Northeast Nigeria.
Prof. Abubakar Sadiq Hussaini explained that the new additions would ultimately expose students to the latest technological advancements and prepare them for the evolving job market while allowing them to pursue their unique passions and suit the needs of their pathways.
"Our curriculum at the AUN School of Engineering offers a competitive edge to students as it provides breadth and depth in the field of Engineering, nurturing strong theoretical and practical skills to set the foundation in the digital revolution. The balance between theory and practice elevates the students to the frontier of innovation in science and technology, thereby opening opportunities in government, industry and academic teaching and research".
Recall that the SoE management began the Spring 2023 semester by crafting, producing, and distributing catalogs for new and returning students. The catalogs contain updated academic and regulatory information and codes of conduct for engineering students at AUN. A general booklet covers the entire School of Engineering requirements and four separate booklets for each department. These vital information booklets were produced in soft and hard copies.
According to Prof. Abubakar Sadiq Hussaini, the catalogs would guide the students through their academic journey and ensure that everyone understands what is required of them to successfully undertake an engineering course at AUN while minimizing hitches, delays, and stress occasioned by the inadequate or imprecise curriculum.
"The programs of the AUN School of Engineering are aligned with AUN's core philosophy of entrepreneurship and development, providing American-style Liberal Arts education. The AUN School of Engineering seeks to become a center of excellence in the entire country, Africa and the world.
"As we all know, Science is about knowing, but engineering is about doing - about identifying and solving problems. The word "ENGINEERING" comes from the Latin word INGENIUM - meaning "CLEVERNESS" and INGENIARE meaning" TO DESIGN or DEVISE." Engineers are creators. They are the driving force behind the designs, buildings, and innovations for sustainable development that shape the world we live in. Our Engineering students will gain real-world experience because we will teach them problem-solving skills and also teach them how to design and build to solve our societal problems. Mathematics, an essential backbone for engineering, provides the platform to gauge all engineering principles and applications; when you use it along with science, you can apply scientific principles to design, build and innovate for sustainable development".
In November 2022, SoE formed the Engineering Students Society (ESS) for Engineering students, aiming to solve societal problems around Nigeria, Africa, and the world. The AUN ESS consists of highly motivated engineering students eager to use their technical skills and knowledge to impact their community and beyond positively. Through various initiatives and projects, the ESS seeks to provide a platform for its members to enhance their professional development, engage in community service, and contribute to nation-building.
Reported by Tina Bitrus