Engineering lecturers and students of Afe Babalola University, Ado-Ekiti (ABUAD), have called on the Federal Government to increase funding for modern laboratories, technology infrastructure and practical engineering education to boost Nigeria’s global competitiveness.
The appeal followed a 20-day hands-on training programme at Zhejiang Polytechnic University of Mechanical and Electrical Engineering in Hangzhou, China, involving 37 engineering students and two lecturers. According to the Provost of ABUAD’s College of Engineering, Prof. Moses Onibonoje, the participants received practical training in advanced technologies, including programmable logic control systems, digital twin technology, robotics, CNC machines, 2D and 3D printing, and advanced metrology equipment after completing a three-month theoretical programme in Nigeria.
Associate Professor Dr. Imhade Okokpujie said Nigerian students have the talent to compete globally but are limited by inadequate laboratories and workshop facilities. Students described the programme as life-changing, noting that it allowed them to operate advanced engineering equipment they had previously only studied in theory. They urged the government to equip Nigerian universities with modern facilities, stressing that increased investment in practical learning would better prepare graduates for careers in automation, robotics and intelligent manufacturing.