The Council for the Regulation of Engineering in Nigeria (COREN) and the Nigerian Society of Engineers (NSE) have inducted 742 engineering graduates of the College of Engineering and Engineering Technology (CEET), Michael Okpara University of Agriculture, Umudike (MOUAU), Abia State, into professional engineering practice.
The graduates were charged to apply the knowledge acquired during their training responsibly and adhere strictly to the rules, regulations and ethical standards governing the profession.

The Vice Chancellor of MOUAU, Prof. Ursula Ngozi Akanwa, urged the newly inducted engineers to practise with diligence, resilience and grit, describing the ceremony as a significant transition from academic training to professional practice.
Representing the President of COREN, Prof. Sadiq Zubair Abubakar, at the ceremony, the Chairman, South-East Technical Committee of COREN, Mr P.C. Mgbemena, urged the graduates to uphold professional standards.

Similarly, the President of the NSE, Mr A.A. Rabiu, represented by the Chairman, Umuahia Branch, Mr Chris Nwankwo, and the COREN Registrar, Prof. O.A.U. Uche, represented by the South-East Regional Officer, Mr Peter Awunde, urged the inductees to apply their knowledge with competence, responsibility and discipline.
They said the engineering profession had a responsibility to address societal needs and called on the new engineers to deploy competence, discipline and innovation in developing sustainable solutions to societal challenges.

They also noted that MOUAU’s engineering certificates were globally recognised as evidence of competence and ethical integrity.
The overall best graduating inductee, Mr Iheokoronye ElPrince Chimeremeze of the Department of Computer Engineering, who graduated with a 4.75 CGPA, received an award alongside other graduates who distinguished themselves in their respective departments.

Akanwa commended COREN and the NSE for maintaining high standards in engineering education and recognising the contributions of MOUAU’s engineering staff and students over the years.
She reaffirmed the university’s commitment to providing outcome-based and transformational engineering education, promoting responsible research and innovation, and preparing graduates to respond to emerging challenges and opportunities.

The Vice Chancellor told the inductees that the ceremony marked the culmination of their academic journey and the beginning of their professional calling.
“As ambassadors of MOUAU, you are expected to practise the profession with diligence, dignity, resilience and grit, and by so doing bring transformational changes to society,” she said.

The Dean of CEET, Prof. Bethrand Nduka Nwankwojike, described the induction as an official launchpad for a new generation of problem-solvers and a celebration of the college’s record of producing innovative leaders.
He said CEET had secured 16 patents and earned international recognition for its contributions to engineering innovation.

Nwankwojike reminded the inductees that engineering was anchored on competence and character, adding that the oath they took and the lapel pins they received represented commitments to uphold professional conduct.
“As graduates of a University of Agriculture, you possess the knowledge and capacity to contribute significantly to technological advancement, food security and sustainable development,” he said.

The keynote lecturer and Founder of Clintonel Innovation Centre, Engr. Tochukwu Clinton Chukwueke, urged the Federal Government to support engineers through an enabling environment, sound policies and adequate infrastructure to enable them contribute effectively to nation-building.
Chukwueke also advised the new engineers to identify opportunities in challenges and build strategic relationships that would enhance their professional growth and impact.

The inducted engineers pledged to uphold the ideals of the profession, pursue continuing professional development and engage in experiential learning.
They also pledged to complete their mandatory one-year internship, prioritise public safety and practise engineering skillfully, conscientiously and with dignity for the betterment of humanity.