By MyEngineers
Nsukka witnessed a defining moment on Tuesday as 250 graduates of the Faculty of Engineering, University of Nigeria, Nsukka (UNN) were formally inducted into the profession by the Council for the Regulation of Engineering in Nigeria (COREN), marking the institution’s first ever induction and oath taking ceremony.
Prof Okorie Uche, the Registrar of COREN, administered the oath and used the occasion to charge the new inductees to hold firmly to the ethics guiding the profession.
“As you take this oath, I urge you all to maintain high professional conduct of the engineering profession.
“Engineering is a noble profession and the Council frowns on any act of professional misconduct,” he said.
Uche congratulated the graduates for successfully completing their course and qualifying for the induction, and commended their parents for investing in their children’s education. He also praised the Faculty of Engineering, UNN, for equipping the graduates with the knowledge required to earn their place in the profession.
For the university, the ceremony carried historic weight. Prof Simon Ortuanya, the Vice Chancellor of UNN, described it as a landmark achievement and a testament to the institution’s unwavering commitment to academic excellence. He was represented at the event by the Deputy Vice Chancellor Administration, Prof Michael Onyia.
“I congratulate the Dean, members of staff, students and entire faculty of engineering for attaining this important milestone.
“I warmly welcome our distinguished guests, COREN and Nigeria Society of Engineers.
“We appreciate your continued partnership in strengthening engineering education and ensuring that graduates are prepared to meet the highest standard of professional practice,” he said.
Onyia told the inductees the day marked a new phase in their lives and called on them to carry the university’s name with honour.
“As ambassadors of this university, let your conduct reflect the ideals of this great institution.
“Continue to learn, innovate and use your knowledge to address the challenges facing our communities, our nation and the entire world,” he said.
The Dean of the Faculty of Engineering, Prof Ikechukwu Ike-Eze, called the induction a defining moment in the faculty’s history, one that formally welcomes its graduates into professional practice.
“We are formally inducting our graduating engineers into the engineering profession, signifying our commitment to academic excellence, professional standards, and ethical engineering practice.
“This ceremony is not merely a celebration of academic success; it is the beginning of a lifelong professional journey founded on competence, integrity, innovation, and service to humanity.
“On behalf of the faculty, I express our sincere appreciation to COREN for approving the induction ceremony and for its unwavering commitment to regulating and advancing engineering practice in Nigeria,” he said.
The Dean pressed further, urging the new engineers to uphold professionalism, integrity, competence and ethical conduct throughout their careers.
“As graduates of the University of Nigeria, you carry the reputation of one of Africa’s foremost institutions.
“Let your knowledge be guided by wisdom, your innovation by integrity, and your success by your positive impact on society,” he said.
Dr Gerald Akubue, Branch Chairman of the Nigeria Society of Engineers, Nsukka, told the inductees that the day meant far more than academic celebration.
According to him, it marked the beginning of a lifelong commitment to professional excellence.
“I congratulate the inductees for reaching this important milestone. Your degree has opened the door, but your future will be shaped by your character, continuous learning, innovation and commitment to ethical practice,” he said.
Among those who took the oath was Chukwuemeka Ukoh, who described the moment as one of overwhelming joy at being part of the first set of UNN engineering graduates inducted into COREN.
Chukwuemeka expressed special gratitude to God for giving him life and to his parents for investing in his education, as well as their support to him in all ramifications.
The induction lecture was presented by Prof Chigbo Mgbemene, while Prof Clifford Nwoji chaired the event. Officials of COREN and the Nigeria Society of Engineers were present throughout the ceremony, which was capped by the oath taking of all 250 inductees.