Nigeria’s Premier Private University, Igbinedion University, Okada (IUO) has called on graduates of its Gen. Abdulsalami Abubakar College of Engineering to take a more active role in mentoring students, building industry partnerships, and supporting infrastructural development to enhance technical education.
The charge came during the college’s first “Blue-Skye Alumni Legacy” Homecoming held on Wednesday in Okada, Edo State, where university leaders emphasized the need to bridge the gap between academic training and industry practice.
The Vice-Chancellor, Prof. Lawrence Ikechukwu Ezemonye, PhD, FAS, described alumni as critical stakeholders in sustaining the University’s relevance and impact. He urged them to mentor students through internships and professional guidance, collaborate in converting research into practical solutions, and support the development and maintenance of modern engineering facilities.
“As we institutionalise this homecoming, I challenge you to mentor, collaborate and invest. Reach back and lift a student through internships and guidance; work with us to bridge the gap between academic research and industrial application; and support the maintenance of cutting-edge facilities needed to sustain excellence,” he said.
He further noted that the true measure of a University lies in the quality and impact of its graduates, calling for a strong alumni network that drives innovation and supports emerging engineers. Ezemonye also recalled the founding vision of the Chancellor, Sir. Chief, Dr. Gabriel Osawaru Igbinedion – ESAMA of Benin Kingdom – which is to produce engineers who create industries rather than seek jobs, while noting that the college’s name honours Gen. Abdulsalami Abubakar (RTd) in recognition of national development ideals.
The Dean of the college, Prof. Rowland Azike, disclosed that the college runs eight undergraduate programmes across six departments—Chemical, Petroleum, Civil, Electrical/Electronics, Computer, Environmental, Mechanical, and Mechatronics Engineering—and has produced over 1,700 graduates since the 2002/2003 academic session.
In their presentations, the guest speakers reinforced the need for stronger collaboration within the engineering community. Dr. Michael Marshall Harry, in a virtual paper titled “Engineering without Borders: Alumni Advancing Global Solutions,” noted that many professional limitations are mindset-driven and can be overcome through intentional change. Alumna, Engr. Dr. Mary Taiwo Ajide, emphasized purposeful networking and collaboration among engineers, while the keynote speaker Engr. Dr. Danagogo Wenike-Briggs called on alumni and young professionals to build a lasting legacy for future generations.
The homecoming signals a renewed push by IUO to deepen alumni engagement as a strategic tool for advancing engineering education, innovation, and industry relevance in Nigeria.
