By Alex Chukwudi

Experts and professionals in the field of Engineering have called for sustainable engineering practices as essential for Socio-economic development and a resilient future.

This was on the occasion of the two-day International Hybrid Conference of the UNIZIK Faculty of Engineering which kicked off on Wednesday, 11th February, 2026 at the ASUU NAU Secretariat, UNIZIK with the theme, "Sustainable Engineering for a Resilient Future."

In his opening remarks, the Chairman of the occasion and the member representing Aguata Federal Constituency, Hon. Engr. Dom Okafor stated that the conference theme is timely and urgent as it speaks to the heart of the shared global challenge on how to engineer systems, societies and provide solutions that adapt and uplift in the face of climate change, technological disruption and socio-economic visibility.

Hon. Okafor highlighted the importance of committing to engineering hope through building bridges and laying the foundations for a future that is not only resilient but radiant.

Declaring the 2026 International Hybrid Conference open, the Vice-Chancellor of Nnamdi Azikiwe University (UNIZIK), Awka, Prof. Ugochukwu Bond Stanley Anyaehie affirmed that the theme of the conference resonates deeply with his administration's vision for UNIZIK. 

Prof. Anyaehie who was represented by the Acting Deputy Vice-Chancellor, Prof. Hilda Osisioma averred that the Faculty of Engineering is pivotal in driving innovation and progress as demonstrated with their remarkable research output. The VC admonished the Faculty to take the next step by patenting of her products and innovations. He commended Prof. Okonkwo and his team of organizing committee for putting up a colourful and successful academic programme.

Delivering his Keynote address, the Honourable Minister for Works, Hon. Engr. Dave Umahi informed that the conference is visionary, forward-looking and firmly aligned with developmental imperatives of the nation. 

The Minister of Works who was represented by Engr. Dr. Marcus Ugwuanyi assured the university that the Federal Ministry of Works is open and committed to collaboration in the areas of research, innovation, capacity building and knowledge exchange to ensure that Nigerian Engineers are not only globally competitive but relevant in their various fields.

Earlier in his address, the Dean of the Faculty of Engineering, UNIZIK, Prof. Ugochukwu Okonkwo informed that the international conference provides a platform for presentation of research findings and reviews which will spur intellectual discourse along researchers, engineers, policymakers and industry leaders.

Prof. Okonkwo affirmed that Engineering plays a vital role in shaping a sustainable tomorrow which can be achieved by rethinking, redesigning and rebuilding all available system in order to have a revamped and sustained world. The Dean eulogized UNIZIK VC for his support and assistance to the Faculty as well as the organizing committee for the success of the programme.

Among the dignitaries who spoke during the conference were the two lead Paper Presenters such as Prof. Michael Ngadi from McGill University Canada who spoke on the topic, "Engineering and Sustainable Food Systems", and Dr. Eni Oko of Newscastle University, England who delivered a lecture on," Hydrogen transport and storage: The missing link in a Resilient hydrogen economy", while there were goodwill messages from top executives of ELDI, SEDI, NEDDI, ASMTL, RMRDC and PRODA.

The colourful opening ceremony also featured award presentation and exhibition display of the products of the various departments domiciled in the Faculty.