The College of Engineering and Engineering Technology of Michael Okpara University of Agriculture, Umudike (MOUAU), Abia State, has held its 4th International Engineering Conference, calling for the establishment of a dedicated fund to support engineering-driven solutions in key sectors.

The three-day conference, held from Wednesday, March 25 to Friday, March 27, 2026, at the university auditorium, explored innovative engineering solutions for enhancing national security, strengthening the food value chain through technology, promoting sustainable energy, and supporting resilient economic growth.

The conference, themed “Engineering Innovations for a Resilient and Sustainable National Security, Food Value Chain, Energy, and Economic Advancement,” brought together scholars, researchers, government officials, policymakers, industry experts, as well as postgraduate and undergraduate students from within and outside Nigeria.

Participants deliberated on the critical role of engineering innovations in addressing national and global challenges.

Abia State Deputy Governor, Engr. Ikechukwu Emetu, a Fellow of the Nigerian Society of Engineers, who was represented by the Commissioner for Petroleum and Mineral Resources, Prof. Joel Ogbonna, commended the college for championing engineering innovation in the state and the country.

He urged participants to develop practical solutions to energy and food insecurity in Nigeria and sub-Saharan Africa.

The Vice-Chancellor of MOUAU, Prof. Ursula Ngozi Akanwa, in her opening remarks, challenged participants to engage in meaningful discussions and build partnerships across disciplines and borders.

She emphasised the need to translate research outcomes into actionable solutions with tangible societal impact.

In his keynote address, Engr. Mark Okoye, Managing Director/Chief Executive Officer of the South East Development Commission (SEDC), called for increased funding for research and development in engineering and technology to drive large-scale innovation.

He stressed that development must be deliberately engineered and cannot occur by chance.

Notable participants included Dr. Lois Onyejere Nwobodo, Managing Director/Chief Executive Officer of the Scientific Equipment Development Institute (SEDI); Engr. Valerie I. Agberagba, Deputy President of the Nigerian Society of Engineers; Prof. J.C. Adama, National Chairman of the Nigerian Institution of Agricultural Engineers (NIAE); and Prof. Aru Eze Okereke, Mayor of Arochukwu Local Government Area, Abia State.

Others were Prof. Bethrand N. Nwankwojike; Prof. Patrick I. Obi, Dean of the College of Engineering and Chairman of the Conference Local Organising Committee; and Dr. Augustine O. Igbozulike, Chairman of the Conference Technical Committee.

In its communiqué, the conference recommended that the Federal Government and relevant stakeholders establish dedicated innovation funds to support engineering-driven solutions in critical sectors.

It also called for increased private sector participation in research and development through tax incentives and public-private partnerships.

The conference further recommended periodic review of engineering curricula to reflect current global trends and industry needs.

It urged stakeholders to invest in infrastructure that supports technology transfer, including innovation parks, fabrication laboratories, and workshops.

Participants also emphasised the need for robust monitoring and evaluation frameworks to ensure effective implementation of engineering-based development initiatives.

Calling on all stakeholders to work collectively towards building a resilient and technologically advanced nation, the participants reaffirmed the fundamental role of engineering in driving national development and sustainability.

They expressed commitment to continued collaboration and knowledge sharing to advance innovative solutions aimed at enhancing national security, strengthening the food value chain, ensuring energy sustainability, and accelerating economic growth in Nigeria.