IUO Courts Engineering Alumni for Mentorship, Industry Partnerships at Maiden Homecoming

OKADA — Igbinedion University, Okada has called on alumni of its Abdulsalami Abubakar College of Engineering to play a more active role in mentoring students, strengthening industry linkages and investing in infrastructure to sustain academic excellence.

The appeal was the highlight of the College’s maiden “Blue-Skye Alumni Legacy” Homecoming held in Okada, Edo State, where university authorities emphasised the need to bridge the gap between academic research and real-world industrial application.

Vice-Chancellor, Lawrence Ezemonye, described alumni as indispensable partners in maintaining the institution’s relevance, noting that their professional expertise represents a critical link between the university and industry.

He urged graduates to support students through internships and professional mentorship, collaborate with the institution in translating research into practical solutions, and contribute to the maintenance of world-class facilities.

Ezemonye stressed that the true value of a university lies in the impact of its graduates rather than its physical structures, urging alumni to see themselves as part of a dynamic network capable of driving innovation and nurturing emerging talents.

He recalled that the College was founded by Gabriel Igbinedion to produce engineers who would create industries rather than merely seek employment, noting that its naming after Abdulsalami Abubakar reflects its commitment to national development.

Earlier, Dean of the College, Rowland Azike, said the institution currently runs eight undergraduate programmes across six departments and has produced over 1,700 graduates since the 2002/2003 academic session.

In a virtual presentation, guest speaker Michael Marshall Harry highlighted the need for engineers to overcome internal limitations through deliberate mindset shifts, while alumna Mary Taiwo Ajide stressed sustained engagement and collaboration in building a vibrant professional community.

Delivering the keynote address, Danagogo Wenike-Briggs urged alumni and young engineers to work collectively to build a legacy of innovation for future generations.

The homecoming marked a renewed effort by the university to leverage alumni engagement as a strategic tool for advancing engineering education and innovation in Nigeria.