Excitement as 40 UNIZIK students undergo training on transformer repair, maintenance

From Aloysius Attah, Onitsha Enugu

A  new wave of smart engineers are presently in the making at Nnamdi Azikiwe University (UNIZIK), Awka, as the Nigerian Content Development and Monitoring Board (NCDMB), in partnership with NexDepot Nig. Ltd and El Zino, last Monday, commenced a one-month electrical power transformer repair and maintenance training for students of the university.

The training has 40 undergraduate participants, 28 of whom are from the Faculty of Engineering.

Declaring the training open, the Dean, Faculty of Engineering, UNIZIK, Prof. Ugochukwu Okonkwo, described the programme as a triple-helix arrangement involving the university, government, represented by NCDMB, and the private sector.

Prof. Okonkwo said the university and students would benefit immensely from the hands-on exposure, noting that practical skills remain the foundation of self-reliance. The scholar recalled that the first income he earned was from hands-on skills.

The UNIZIK FEG Dean observed that despite the growth of solar energy, Nigeria still grapples with power challenges, as laboratories, workshops, and industries rely heavily on conventional power supply to run sensitive equipment. He charged the participants to see themselves as part of the solution, stressing that every sector depends on electricity.

He said the training will equip students with practical industrial skills sought by companies and capable of making them self-reliant. He added that, irrespective of discipline, every participant has a role to play, and urged them to take the programme seriously.

Prof. Okonkwo emphasised the importance of safety and the use of Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) when operating electrical equipment and thanked NCDMB for choosing UNIZIK for the capacity-building programme.

In his remarks, the Programme Coordinator, Mr. Samuel Joseph Eyo, who served in the Directorate of Earth Observation at the Defence Space Administration (DSA) as Space Science and Technology Officer 1, said the programme demonstrates the value of collaboration between government institutions, private organisations and educational institutions in addressing societal needs.

Mr. Eyo said through such engagements, NCDMB is bringing the goodwill and developmental commitments of the Federal Government, under President Bola Tinubu, closer to Nigerians, particularly young people in need of practical skills to become more productive.

“The essence of these initiatives is simple: government policies and development commitments must translate into tangible benefits for the people. Beyond announcements and plans, we want to see young people acquire skills, institutions receive meaningful support, and communities experience the positive impact of purposeful partnerships,” he said.

Eyo commended UNIZIK for providing an enabling institutional environment for the programme, noting that the university’s cooperation has strengthened confidence in the institution as a suitable partner for technical training and future Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) programmes.

The programme coordinator appreciated the management of the university, the Dean of the Faculty of Engineering, and the Head, Department of Mechanical Engineering, Prof. Chris Okafor, for their support and cooperation in facilitating the programme.

Also speaking, the Head, Department of Mechanical Engineering, Prof. Christian Emeka Okafor, said skill acquisition is essential for total training and capacity building of students to become solution providers for society.

Prof. Okafor noted that multinationals, industries, and companies are constantly in search of competent and skilled personnel who can add value, and thanked NCDMB and its partners for the initiative.

On his part, the President, Students Union Government (SUG), UNIZIK, Chukwueloka Winston Nnake, said the programme aligns with the aspirations of the SUG, as it will equip students with skills to become nation builders and contribute to the power sector.

Nnake said participants would be better skilled at the end of the training, adding that his administration plans to organise a S

ksill-up programme covering various vocations and crafts to empower students. He thanked the coordinators for choosing UNIZIK.

The facilitator, Dr. Ugochukwu Anionovo, in his lecture titled “Power Transformer and Maintenance”, explained the fundamentals of transformers and safety. He defined a transformer as a machine that transfers AC electrical energy between circuits by electromagnetic induction, and outlined transformer types, components, basic operational relationships, accessories, and protection.

The programme coordinator disclosed that at the end of the training, participants would be provided with PPE materials, including overalls, helmets, safety boots and gloves, as well as certificates and stipends. He added that lunch would be provided throughout the duration of the training.

Also present at the event was Mr. Promise Egeonu, an official of NexDepot and one of the coordinators.