UNIZIK Inducts Petroleum Engineering Students, Emphasises Industry Ready Skills
The Department of Petroleum Engineering, Nnamdi Azikiwe University (UNIZIK), Awka, has inducted its newly admitted students with a call to combine academic excellence with practical skills required to succeed in the petroleum industry.
The induction ceremony, themed “Bridging the Gap Between Academia and Industry,” focused on preparing future petroleum engineers with the knowledge and competencies needed to meet the changing demands of the energy sector.
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 experience, digital competence and safety training.
He stressed that stronger collaboration among government, universities and industry through internships, research partnerships and hands on training would produce graduates who are better equipped for the workplace.
Engr. Obiadi also noted that Anambra’s emergence as an oil producing state has created new opportunities for petroleum engineering professionals, urging the students to embrace innovation, professionalism and continuous learning to remain competitive.
Earlier, the Head of the Department, Dr. Engr. Chinenye Okey Onyesolu, congratulated the newly admitted students and encouraged them to remain focused, disciplined and committed to academic excellence.
She assured them of the department’s continued support and guidance throughout their academic and professional journey.
Also speaking, the department’s founding fathers, Prof. Victor Ifeanyi Ugonabo and Prof. Joseph Tagbo Nwabenne, advised the students to cultivate good reading habits, work diligently and avoid social vices, especially cultism.
In his welcome address, the President of the Departmental Students’ Association, Comrade Mmesoma FearGod Ikegwuonu, encouraged the students to actively participate in the Society of Petroleum Engineers, noting that the organisation provides mentorship, professional networking opportunities, seminars, workshops and field trips that complement classroom learning.
The event also featured the presentation of awards to the Commissioner for Petroleum and Mineral Resources, Prof. Charles Ofoegbu, represented by Engr. Christian Obiadi, the Permanent Secretary of the Anambra State Ministry of Works, Mr. Martin Agbili, and Chief Austin Ogbonna, APC candidate for Awka North and South Federal Constituency.
