Institution news
This year’s Speak Out for Engineering (SOFE) competition had the theme, “Quality Assurance in Engineering Project Management". The 7th Nigeria Heat was organised by Ifeanyichukwu U. Onyenanu (IMechE, Middle East and Africa YM Vice Rep.), Emmanuel Ikpatt (Corresponding Member, IMechE Nigeria YM Section), Ikechukwu Okoli (IMechE Nigeria, Project and Research Director) and other Nigeria section executive members in collaboration with the Nigeria Institution of Mechanical Engineers (NIMechE).
The event had several notable persons’ present and representatives from various countries who joined us for the event, they included; Engr. Prof. Muhammad Ndaliman - National Chairman of the Nigeria Institution of Mechanical Engineers (NIMechE), Hassan N. Ansari (IMechE Middle East and Africa Regional Chairman), Mrs. Mercy Okoli (Lead Editor at AccuWrites Consults), Engr. Dr. (Mrs) Chiwetalu Uche Jenice (Lecturer/ Researcher at Enugu State University of Science and Technology) and Engr. Ifeanyi J. Okeke (Training Manager at Innoson Vehicle Manufacturing Company LTD).
A three-man panel made up the judges for the event, they were; Engr. Dr. (Mrs) Chiwetalu Uche Jenice – Chief Judge, Engr. Ifeanyi Joseph Okeke and Mrs. Mercy Okoli
A total of six entries were received from across universities in Nigeria, representing their respective universities were: Chiweite Kingsley Somtoochukwu (Enugu State University of Science and Technology), Okoye Osmond Chukwudum (Chukwuemeka Odumegwu Ojukwu University, Anambra), Ogbuagu Kenechukwu Kelvin (Nnamdi Azikiwe University, Awka), Sampson Hekagemkosiem Ojum and Moses Favour Chidiebube (Federal University Otueke Bayelsa), Azubuike Chijioke Harry (Imo State University), and Joshua Prince Chinonso (University of Port Harcourt).
Upon eventual commencement of the event, IMechE Nigeria, Corresponding Member (Emmanuel Ikpatt) gave an opening remark followed by Hassan N. Ansari (IMechE Middle East and Africa Regional Chairman) who gave a short note iterating the gap IMechE intend to fill by establishing the body.
Mr. Ogbuagu Kenechukwu Kelvin (Nnamdi Azikiwe University, Awka) took to the floor. He began his presentation titled “Automated Food and Drug Quality Control and Assessment”. He made a wonderful presentation. Next was Sampson Hekagemkosiem Ojum and Moses Favour Chidiebube (representing Federal University Otuoke, Bayelse State) with a presentation titled: “Ensuring Quality Assurance Through Computer Numerical Control”. He showed in-depth knowledge of the topic he is presenting. Next was Chiweite Kingsley Somtoochukwu (Enugu State University of Science and Technology) with the topic ‘‘Ensuring Quality Assurance Through Engineering Project Management’’ he displayed a high level of skill and energy as he dissected the topic. Okoye Osmond Chukwudebem (Chukwuemeka Odumegwu Ojukwu University) took the stage with his topic ‘‘A Review on the Quality Assurance of Engineering Project Management across Manufacturing Sector in Nigeria’’. He thrilled the audience with the level of understanding of his topic through his presentation. Azubuike Chijioke Harry (representing Imo State University) presented next, he talked about “Quality Assurance on Soft Drink Production”. The final presentation (Sorting Robots for Both Agricultural and Engineering Manufacturing Processes” was done by Joshua Prince Chinonso from the prestigious University of Port Harcourt, Nigeria. Follow up questions were then asked to each of the presenters after their presentations.
With the presentations concluded, the judges were left with a challenging task of compiling marks and producing the highest scorers. After much deliberation and concessions, the panel reached a consensus. The Chief Judge Engr. Dr. (Mrs) Chiwetalu Uche Jenice gave the detail of the contestants’ marks and the eventual winners.
The 2nd Place Winner with a prize of £200 was awarded to Joshua Prince Chinonso from University of Port Harcourt, Nigeria for his presentation while the 1st Place Winner with a prize of £300 was awarded to Samson Hekagemkosiem Ojum and Moses Favour Chidiebube from Federal University Otueke, Bayelsa State.
A short speech on the essence of teamwork and proficiency in research was deliver by Chinonso Ofojebe. Also, Cornelius Mpesi from Malawi encouraged the students to improve on what they have already achieved through their experiences.
Finally, this year’s SOfE Competition was indeed competitive. Having similar presentations to deliver and the efforts by the various contestants to ensure clarity and distinctiveness has presented this competition as one worthy of commendation. With the outcome of the competition, it is hoped that engineering students will not relent in their technical pursuit to generate more innovative methods to harness and advance the engineering profession and to achieve the goal of proffering solutions to current issues. The winner of the competition will now prepare to represent Nigeria at the Middle east and Africa Regional finals.
Our sincere regards go to the unbiased judges and special guests for your support and taking the time out to be a part of this event.
Our hearty congratulations goes to Samson Hekagemkosiem Ojum & Moses Favour Chidiebube and Joshua Prince Chinonso for winning the seventh edition of the Nigeria Heat.
Ifeanyichukwu U. Onyenanu PhD CEng. MIMechE
Chair, IMechE Nigeria Young Member