By Nonye Muo
The Department of Petroleum Engineering, Nnamdi Azikiwe University (UNIZIK), Awka, has inducted its newly admitted students with a charge to combine academic excellence with practical skills needed to excel in the petroleum industry.
The induction ceremony, held on July 7, was themed “Bridging the Gap Between Academia and Industry” and underscored the importance of equipping future petroleum engineers with the competencies required to meet evolving industry demands.
Representing the Anambra State Commissioner for Petroleum and Mineral Resources, Prof. Charles Ofoegbu, the Head of Midstream and Downstream Petroleum Operations in the ministry, Engr. Christian Obiadi, urged the students to complement classroom learning with practical, digital and safety skills.
Obiadi said stronger collaboration among government, academia and industry through internships, research partnerships and hands on training would produce graduates better prepared for the workplace. He added that Anambra’s emergence as an oil producing state had created fresh opportunities for petroleum engineering professionals.
According to him, the petroleum sector remains a major pillar of Nigeria’s economy, making it imperative for aspiring engineers to embrace innovation, professionalism and continuous learning to remain competitive in a rapidly changing industry.
Earlier, the Head of the Department, Dr. Engr. Chinenye Okey-Onyesolu, congratulated the fresh students on their admission and urged them to remain focused, disciplined and committed to academic excellence. She assured them of the department’s commitment to providing the guidance and support needed for their academic and professional development.
Also speaking, the department’s founding fathers, Prof. Victor Ifeanyi Ugonabo and Prof. Joseph Tagbo Nwabenne, described the students as privileged to have secured admission into the programme. They encouraged them to cultivate good reading habits, work diligently towards academic success and shun all forms of social vices, particularly cultism.
In his welcome address, the President of the Departmental Students’ Association, Comrade Mmesoma FearGod Ikegwuonu, encouraged the fresh students to participate actively in the Society of Petroleum Engineers (SPE), noting that the association offers mentorship, professional networking, seminars, workshops and field trips that enhance learning beyond the classroom. He reminded them that success is built on hard work, resilience and consistency.
The event also featured the presentation of awards to the Commissioner for Petroleum and Mineral Resources, Prof. Charles Ofoegbu, represented by Obiadi; Mr. Martin Agbili, Permanent Secretary, Anambra State Ministry of Works; and Chief Austin Ogbonna, APC candidate for Awka North and South Federal Constituency.
Nonye Muo is of the Ministry of Information and Value Reformation, Anambra State
