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By Gabriel Dike
Some prominent Alumni of the Department of Chemical and Petroleum Engineering, University of Lagos (UNILAG) at the 50th anniversary of the department have suggested ways to restore the old glory of the department.
At the anniversary lecture titled. “The crucial Role of the Alumni in Departmental Development”, attracted former HODs such as Prof. Alfred Susu, Prof. A.A. Ogunbayo, past president, Nigerian society of Engineers (NSE). Prof. Adefila and several former graduates in institutions, firms as well as retired lecturers.
Recalled that in 2012, the department produced Prof. Rahamon Adisa Bello as UNILAG Vice Chancellor and he was also the HOD of the department from 1999-2002.
The guest lecturer, and Alumnus of the department, Engr. Babajide Soyode, recalled their days in the department and described the current state as unacceptable.
Soyode said the department is underfunded and that the laboratories and other facilities are in a state of despair. He charged the Alumni to come to the rescue of the department.
The speaker tasked the Alumni to begin work on the 60th anniversary of the department but stressed that efforts must be made to salvage the current situation.
He stated that chemical and petroleum engineering is vital for the promotion of welfare of Nigerians, adding, “students are hope for the future and they must develop the capacity to help the country.”
“The Alumni must kick-start the improvement of the department and the tempo sustained. Alumni must sustain the department to be the best in the country,” he added.
Former Head of Department, Prof Susu said facilities in the department are outdated and requires replacement as well as quality postgraduate students to assist in research.
“It is a most to have quality academic staff and quality postgraduate students in the department, “ he noted.
Susu said his contributions in the department were in the area of postgraduate level, stressing, “now graduates students don’t want to come here. Nobody wants to come to the department for his or her PhD. For a department to survive, it must have PhD students.”
Chairman of the lecture, Dr. John Erinne, recalled that 49 years ago, when he started his undergraduate student, the department had the best of facilities and qualified lecturers and that the situation has changed.
Erinne congratulated the department for clocking 50th and acknowledged it has produced quality and prominent engineers for the country.
He expressed concern on the quality of graduates produced by the department and that to control the decline NSE and stakeholders should insist on merit and quality of students offered admission.
“The department must focus on some specific areas it need support and also source for funds to replace the old laboratories.
“The department must put on a thinking cap and then the Alumni will come in at the appropriate time to support them, “he stressed.
The 1982/86 set led by Sola Ogunsanyo told the gathering that her set have decided to mentor the current students. She said the set in 2022 mentored 26 students and another 13 in 2023, stating, “we inspire and coach the younger students engineers in different areas of chemical engineers.”
She revealed that the pioneer students graduated in June 1976, which include Dr. Ogbonnaya Onu, former Governor of Abia State and also former Minister of Science Technology and Innovation, Engr. Tony Ogbuigwe, President of NSE and former Group Executive Director of NNPC and Prof. S. Aribike, former HOD of the department.
