Faculty Of Engineering, Uniuyo, In Exhibition Of Creativity

… exhibit Made-in- Uyo Revolution

Nelson Utip

The Department of Mechanical Engineering, Faculty of Engineering, University of Uyo has unveiled some innovative products designed by its students as final year projects, tagged Made-in- Uyo Revolution with the theme “ Produce what you Consume “

The event took place at the Engineering Unity Park at the main campus of the institution on Wednesday.

Welcoming guests to the event, the Head, Department of Mechanical Engineering, Engr. Dr. Aniekan Okon said that the gathering is to celebrate creativity, ingenuity and contribution to the society. He further said that the exhibition is as a result of taking up the challenge of moving from consumers to creators and development of capacity of manufacturing what is needed in the society.

He appreciated the Vice Chancellor, Professor Christopher Ekong for his leadership which encourages innovation in staff and students which has resulted in transferring knowledge into production. The institution has been transformed from center of knowledge into center of production to solve some societal problems due to the encouragement of the Vice Chancellor according to the HOD.

He further stated that Professor Christopher Ekong has repositioned Uniuyo as a center of excellence through his innovative leadership.

Okon also said that the exhibition is a result of practical efforts at transforming classroom knowledge to problem solving products, a representation of the ability of students to conceive ideas and transform same to industrial products. He called for recognition and development of the products into uses in farms, homes, workshops and commercial markets.

According to the HOD, the objective of the exhibition is to strengthen collaboration to make dreams come true, he concluded that Uniuyo is a brand that should be protected.

The Dean, Faculty of Engineering, Prof. U Ntia said that the objective and target of the exhibition is to produce and market the innovative products.

In his speech at the occasion, the Pro-Chancellor of the University of Uyo, Professor Muiz Banire, OON, a lawyer of repute, former Commissioner for Sports, Environment in Lagos state recognized the rapid development of Uniuyo with the short period of Prof Christopher Ekong’s stewardship, he applauded his strides in Agriculture, infrastructure and innovation.

He see Uniuyo as an enviable brand with tangible proof of innovation, citing Uniuyo water, Uniuyo block industry and upcoming Uniuyo bread and others, he challenged the institution to feed the entire Akwa Ibom people and beyond with its products.

Banire challenged the Department of Mechanical Engineering to maintain all the vehicles in the University, he posits that it will be a win win situation for the institution, lecturers and students. He promised to look into the requests of the HOD in his welcome address.

Banire commended the ingenuity of the products in display, called it real revolution which must not die. He also called for uniqueness in all Uniuyo products which include water, bread, blocks among others.

The HOD later took the guests through the tour and presentation of the products , while explaining the technology and uses.

Products in display include: Poultry Feed Miller, Students Attendance Management System, Merry-go-round, Mixer for paints, flour, etc, Automated Gate System, prototype aircrafts, electric bicycle among others.

The Pro- Chancellor instructed the HOD to send in proposal for some of the products for immediate consideration.

Goodwill messages were received, notably from a former student, Engr. Emmanuel Udang who is the APC flag bearer for Itu State Constituency in the 2027 election.

Dignitaries that witnessed the exhibition include: The Pro Chancellor, Prof Muiz Banire, who led The Governing Council to the event, the Vice Chancellor, Prof Christopher Ekong, DVC Academics Prof Ini Uko, DVC Administration, Prof Ikpeme, The Registrar, Mrs. Blossom Okorie, immediate past Acting Vice Chancellor, Prof Samuel Adewunmi, Director, TETFUND, Prof. Asuquo, Chief of Staff to the Vice Chancellor, Prof. Ukommi.

The exhibition by The Department of Mechanical Engineering is a fulfillment of the Vice Chancellor, Prof Christopher Ekong’s inaugural speech promise of transforming Uniuyo from classroom knowledge to an institution that solves societal problems.