By Treasure Chinedum
A lecturer at Nnamdi Azikiwe University, Engr. Prof. Ugochukwu Okonkwo, has called on the Federal Government to revive the Ajaokuta Steel Complex, proposing a five-year roadmap to produce at least one million tons of liquid steel.
Speaking during the 126th Inaugural Lecture themed “The Engineer, Materials and Machines Tributaries with Novelties,” he also urged that 20% of every capital project on laboratory equipment procurement be dedicated to maintenance, consumables, and technician training to strengthen engineering education.
He explained the need for stronger university–industry–research collaboration, noting that engineering innovations must move from laboratories to real-world commercial use.
He also proposed that by 2035, at least 30% of machine components in agriculture, oil, and construction sectors should be locally designed and produced by Nigerian engineers.
Okonkwo further called for greater involvement of university engineering staff in maintaining institutional infrastructure to improve functionality and sustainability.
The Vice Chancellor, Prof. Ugochukwu Anyaehie, represented by the Deputy Vice Chancellor (Administration), Prof. Hilda Osisioma, described the inaugural lecture series as a platform for showcasing academic achievements and intellectual contributions.
The lecture underscored calls for industrial revival, local content development, and stronger engineering-driven economic transformation in Nigeria.
Tags: #UNIZIK #AjaokutaSteel #Engineering #Nigeria #Industrialization #Local Content #Education #Infrastructure
