The Dean of the School of Engineering (SoE), Dr. Abubkar Sadiq Hussain (ASH), has urged freshmen to combine academic discipline with practical innovation and use their engineering education to develop solutions to challenges in their communities.
He made the call during the School’s freshmen orientation retreat on September 25, 2026 encouraging the new students to approach university life with purpose, discipline, and a commitment to applying what they learn beyond the classroom.
Addressing the students, Dean ASH cautioned them against choosing course tracks simply because of peer influence. Instead, he urged them to consider their strengths, interests, and program requirements when making academic decisions. He also stressed the importance of managing their time effectively, making use of tutorial support.
The retreat also emphasized the importance of moving beyond examination performance to practical engineering. Students were encouraged to make full use of the School’s laboratories, faculty guidance, and mentorship opportunities as they build skills in established and emerging fields, including artificial intelligence, solar energy, electrical systems, and electronics. “Engineers are ultimately judged by their ability to design solutions for societal needs,” Dean ASH said, urging the students to apply their technical knowledge to challenges in their communities.
Alongside practical training, the retreat highlighted academic integrity, ethical conduct, active classroom participation, and personal responsibility as important foundations for success in engineering. Dean ASH reminded the students that their professional development begins in their first year and extends beyond academic achievement to the responsible application of their knowledge.
The program concluded with an interactive networking session, giving the students an opportunity to connect with faculty members and fellow students, ask questions, and become more familiar with the School’s academic environment and community.
Reported by Joy Jiya