By Isqil Najim
On 19th April 2023, a team from the Nigerian Institution of Mechanical Engineers, Benue Chapter, paid courtesy call Head of Department, Joseph Suwuan Tarka University, Markurdi, Benue State.
The Visit was part of the efforts by the Leadership of the Chapter to deepen collaboration with the University.
On the side of the visitors led by the Chairman Engr Kabiru Bobby Mohammed are: Engr Chia Mne Fidelis, (secretary), Engr Terseer Kasso, Engr Terkuma Agana. On the side of the University are: the Head of Department, Engr. Prof. Aondoyila Kuhe, Engr Prof D. T. Gundu, Engr. Prof. G. B. Nyior and Engr. Dr. Ikpambese.
The Head of Department, Engr. Prof. Aondoyila Kuhe thanked the team for the visit.
The Chairman of the Chapter, Engr. Kabiru Bobby Mohammed congratulated the HOD for his recent appointment while wishing him a successful tenure in office. He added that the Department was the bedrock of the Chapter as more than 90 percent of its corporate members graduated from the department. He requested continuous collaboration with the Department in terms of sponsorship, participation at NIMechE functions while the Chapter would continue to offer technical support.
Prof. G.B. Nyior seeks industry academic partnership between the Department and NIMechE. He suggested mutual collaboration to assist students get exposed to practical skills and common drive toward knowledge transfer between both bodies.
Engr. Prof. D.T. Gundu acknowledges the challenges faced by the chapter. He encouraged the new leadership to engage the department more periodically to brainstorm of mutually beneficial issues affecting both organizations.
Engr. Dr. Ikpambese described the meeting as a reawakening. He went on to advice the new leadership of the Chapter to be open to all and accommodate all members regardless of opinions.
Engr. Torkuma Agana said as both a member of NIMechE and an insider to the department, he was not unaware of some the challenges faced by the Department that required action. Issues like water supply and infrastructural rehabilitation; however the paucity of funds and the bureaucratic processes involved were some of the encumbrances. He updated on steps being taken.
The Chapter chairman announced that there are industrial placement opportunities available for Students. He encouraged the Department to leverage on this and he also urged the Department to delegate at least one staff who would serve as a student adviser so as to guide the Students.
He urged Lecturers to always create out time to attend NIMechE functions as their presence would be greatly appreciated. He said the Chapter was open to collaborations with the Department and offered to hold the next General Meeting of the Chapter in the Department.
The HOD, Engr. Prof. A. Kuhe thanked the NIMechE team and pledged to work on the recommendations.
(Source)
