Students of the Department of Electrical and Electronics Engineering at the Federal University of Technology (FUT), Minna, have been encouraged to embrace innovation, entrepreneurship and emerging technologies as essential tools for building successful careers in the rapidly evolving global engineering profession.
The charge was given during the FUT Minna Electrical and Electronics Engineering (EEE) Alumni Summit, an academic and professional engagement designed to reconnect graduates of the department with current students while promoting mentorship, industry collaboration and career development.
Declaring the summit open, the Dean of the School of Electrical Engineering and Technology, Engr. Prof. B. A. Adegboye, emphasised that the engineering profession is undergoing unprecedented transformation driven by technological advancement, digitalisation and sustainability. He explained that success in today’s engineering landscape requires more than theoretical knowledge, noting that engineers must also possess creativity, innovation, adaptability and the ability to solve real-world problems.
According to Prof. Adegboye, modern engineering practice increasingly demands expertise in automation, digital technologies and environmentally sustainable solutions. He urged students to adopt multidisciplinary approaches to learning, stressing that engineers capable of integrating knowledge from different fields will be better positioned to contribute meaningfully to technological advancement and national development.
In his welcome address, the Head of the Department of Electrical and Electronics Engineering, Dr. O. J. Tola, described the summit as a strategic platform for strengthening the relationship between the department and its alumni while exposing students to practical experiences beyond the classroom.
He explained that the initiative was designed to encourage mentorship, facilitate professional networking and inspire students through the achievements of graduates who have distinguished themselves in engineering and technology-related industries. Dr. Tola noted that the department has consistently produced competent engineers whose contributions continue to impact Nigeria’s industrial, technological and manufacturing sectors.
He further encouraged students to embrace innovation, entrepreneurship and practical problem-solving, observing that emerging fields such as Artificial Intelligence (AI), the Internet of Things (IoT), renewable energy, robotics and digital automation are redefining engineering practice across the world. He urged participants to maximise the opportunity provided by the summit by interacting with experienced professionals, asking questions and building relationships that could support their academic and professional aspirations.
Delivering the keynote address, the Founder and Chief Executive Officer of Embedded Fan Limited, Engr. Ambima Munza, challenged students to cultivate resilience, creativity and a commitment to lifelong learning. He identified Artificial Intelligence, robotics, drone technology, renewable energy and the Internet of Things as some of the fastest-growing areas creating new opportunities for engineers globally.
Engr. Munza encouraged the students to move beyond merely acquiring certificates by developing practical solutions capable of addressing societal and industrial challenges. He explained that innovation remains one of the strongest drivers of economic growth and urged aspiring engineers to transform ideas into products and services that create value for society while contributing to national development.
Another resource person, Mike Bertola Ibitomihi, reminded participants that academic excellence alone is no longer sufficient for success in today’s competitive labour market. He noted that employers increasingly seek graduates who possess effective communication abilities, teamwork, critical thinking, digital competence and problem-solving skills alongside their technical qualifications.
He therefore encouraged students to develop strong interpersonal relationships, maintain professionalism and remain adaptable in the face of technological changes. According to him, engineers who continuously upgrade their knowledge and embrace new technologies are more likely to remain relevant throughout their careers.
The summit further underscored the growing importance of university-alumni collaboration in strengthening engineering education. By bringing together accomplished professionals and aspiring engineers, the programme provided students with valuable insights into industry expectations, technological trends and career opportunities, while reinforcing FUT Minna’s commitment to producing graduates equipped with the technical expertise, entrepreneurial mindset and innovative capacity required to thrive in the Fourth Industrial Revolution.
