On March 4, history was made at AUN as its School of Engineering (SoE) joined others around the world to mark the first World Engineering Day for Sustainable Development.
The international day of celebration of engineers and engineering was adopted as a resolution at UNESCO's 40th General Conference that took place in November 2019.
Faculty members from the SoE, engineering students were joined by students from AUN Academy (Secondary), Aliyu Musdafa Secondary School, Government Technical College, and Ahmadu Ribadu College, all in Yola, for the event held in partnership with the Nigerian Society of Engineers and the North-East Humanitarian Innovation Hub.
Interim Dean of SoE, Dr. Abel Ajibesin, explained why it is historic for the new AUN SoE.
"I checked the worldwide google map this week, only a few countries were able to make it. In Africa, we have Nigeria and Kenya who reported events online. Yola, School of Engineering of AUN, we made history. Congratulations."
The Dean decried the current trend where there is a lot of degradation of natural resources which destroys the environment and called for new radical thinking by engineers to save the planet.
There were two activities to mark the day: Student-centered innovation talk, where the students discussed the importance of Engineering in addressing sustainable development goals; and a tour of the North-East Humanitarian Hub's 3-D printing laboratory.
Chairman of the National Society of Engineers, Yola Branch, Adamu Umar, expressed his organization's willingness to partner with AUN to proffer solutions to the problems facing this country.
Vice President for Academic Affairs & Provost, Prof Muhammadou Kah, said that the School of Engineering would celebrate the annual world event going forward.
Provost Kah recognized the AUN faculty members who have worked tirelessly over the years and behind the scenes to ensure that the engineering profession is part and parcel of the quality education programs provided to the future generation of Nigeria.
"I encourage you as we embark on this journey to ensure that Engineering is sustainable here in our countries by producing quality engineers right here at AUN."
He called on more young people, especially girls to study engineering, adding that they need to be encouraged to do so, adding that each of the UN sustainable goals can be achieved or advanced through engineering.
Reported by Omorogbe Omorogiuwa