The University of Nigeria Faculty of Engineering Alumni Association (UNNEFAA), in collaboration with the Africa Centre of Excellence for Sustainable Power and Energy Development (ACE-SPED), and the Bio-Resources, Renewable Energy and Environmental Engineering Research Group (BREEERG), will host a seminar aimed at equipping young engineers, academics and researchers with skills in research, innovation and digital transformation.

The seminar, titled “Beyond the Classroom: Research, Innovation and Digital Transformation for Young Engineers,” is scheduled to hold on June 24, 2026, at the ACE-SPED Conference Hall, University of Nigeria, Nsukka, from 9:30 a.m. to 2:30 p.m.

While briefing newsmen in Nsukka , Enugu State on Friday about the forthcoming Second Seminar Series, the UNN Director of ACE-SPED, Professor Emenike Ejiogu, recalled that the maiden collaboration between UNNEFAA, and ACE-SPED took place in 2025 and recorded huge success, particularly the 1-Day Workshop on Career Development and Entrepreneurship held on 11th June, 2025.

According to the organisers, the programme is designed for lecturers, early-career academics, postgraduate students, final-year engineering students and young engineering graduates seeking career direction and professional growth in an increasingly technology-driven environment.

The organisers noted that the rapidly changing landscape of engineering education and technology has redefined the skills required for success, making academic qualifications alone insufficient for professional advancement.

They explained that young engineers now need a blend of technical competence, innovation, entrepreneurship, leadership and digital adaptability.

The seminar aims to bridge the gap between academia, industry, innovation and entrepreneurship by exposing participants to emerging technologies, research opportunities, grant funding, commercialization pathways and industry-oriented skills.

Specific objectives of the programme include promoting academic excellence and leadership among engineers and researchers, exposing participants to innovation ecosystems and entrepreneurial opportunities, building capacity in grant writing and research funding, and introducing participants to emerging digital technologies such as artificial intelligence, blockchain systems, automation and data-driven research tools.

Other objectives include encouraging collaboration and mentorship, exposing young engineers to alternative career pathways beyond traditional academia, helping participants make informed decisions regarding postgraduate studies and professional certifications, and promoting continuous learning and adaptability.

The seminar is expected to attract about 100 physical participants, alongside numerous virtual attendees comprising lecturers, postgraduate students, final-year students, early-career researchers, engineering graduates, innovators and industry professionals.

The keynote address will be presented by Engr. Emma Ezekwe, the President of the University of Nigeria Engineering Faculty Alumni Association.

He will speak on “The Fundamentals of Academic Excellence and Leadership for the Next Generation.

Other speakers include, Engr. Prof. Wilfred I. Okonkwo, former Head of the Department of Agricultural and Bioresources Engineering, University of Nigeria, Nsukka, and the Principal Investigator of the Bioresources, Renewable Energy and Environment Research Group (BREEERG), who will deliver a presentation on “Winning Research Grants: Strategies for Young Academics and Researchers.Prof.

Alon Razgour, Head of the Industrial Technology and Innovation Unit at ACE-SPED will deliver a presentation titled “From Laboratory to Marketplace: The Role of Incubation Hubs in Engineering Innovation” which will examine strategies for transforming research outcomes into commercially viable products and services.

Interestingly, the speakers include postgraduate scholars at ACE-SPED, Shedracck Ekpegue and Kevin Okoye, who have expertise in Blockchain and digital technology and will jointly present a paper on “Blockchain Beyond Cryptocurrency: Emerging Applications in Engineering and Research.”

Engr. Emmanuel Ayegba, also a postgraduate scholar at ACE-SPED and Chief Executive Officer of A1TRONIXR and DLabs, Port Harcourt, will speak on “Building Engineering Solutions for African Realities: Emphasis on the Role of Automation.”

A panel discussion featuring experts from academia, industry and technology sectors will also explore topics such as career planning and employability for young engineers, entrepreneurship opportunities, research commercialization, artificial intelligence, automation, blockchain technology, grant opportunities, professional certifications, and continuous professional development.

The organisers expressed optimism that participants would leave the seminar with a deeper understanding of career opportunities in academia, industry, digital technology and entrepreneurship.

They also expect attendees to gain greater awareness of research funding opportunities, innovation ecosystems and practical strategies for building industry-relevant engineering skills.