UNN Engineering Faculty Enhances Outcome-based Education Training for Lecturers

The Faculty of Engineering at the University of Nigeria Nsukka (UNN) recently hosted an enlightening three-day Outcome-Based Education (OBE) training workshop for its academic staff members. This training programme, an extension of the 2021 COREN regional Train-the-trainers Outcome-Based Education workshop, aimed to equip lecturers with the necessary knowledge and skills to implement OBE principles effectively.

The workshop, which took place from July 21st to July 23rd, 2023, was hosted at the Mechatronics Virtual Laboratory located at the University of Nigeria Nsukka (UNN). The event saw active participation from eighteen lecturers hailing from all eight departments within the Faculty of Engineering. The training sessions were expertly conducted by five facilitators who had previously undergone training during the COREN regional OBE train-the-trainers workshop held in November 2021. These facilitators, having acquired valuable knowledge and expertise from their previous involvement with the COREN workshop, were well-equipped to guide and instruct the enthusiastic educators during the training program.

The training was organized by the Engineering Education Research Group (EERG) in collaboration with the Faculty of Engineering at UNN. Engr. Dr. Ijeoma Ezika, the coordinator of the research group, expressed her delight at the opportunity to bring the transformative training to UNN’s lecturers. She emphasized the importance of expanding the knowledge and skillset of Nigerian universities’ faculty members in OBE principles and implementations. Furthermore, Dr. Patrick Akpan, the event coordinator, further highlighted the significance of the training in enhancing the quality of engineering education. He stressed that OBE is a progressive approach that focuses on student outcomes and empowers educators to design and deliver effective learning experiences.

The workshop sessions were designed to provide lecturers with a comprehensive understanding of OBE and its practical applications in engineering education. Participants engaged in interactive discussions, hands-on activities, and case studies to foster a deeper comprehension of the subject matter. The training also emphasized aligning curriculum design, teaching methodologies, and assessment techniques with the desired learning outcomes.

The outcome of this rigorous training is expected to revolutionize the teaching methods employed within the Faculty of Engineering at UNN. By adopting OBE principles, lecturers will have the tools to better equip students with the skills and knowledge necessary to excel in the engineering field. Ultimately, this will contribute to the overall development and competitiveness of Nigerian engineering graduates in a rapidly evolving global landscape.

The successful conclusion of the COREN Outcome Based Education Training at UNN marks a significant step towards enriching the quality of engineering education in Nigeria. As the faculty members integrate their newfound knowledge and expertise into their teaching practices, the positive impact on the students’ learning experiences will undoubtedly be felt throughout their academic journey and beyond.

In his closing remarks, the Associate Dean of the Faculty of Engineering, Ass. Prof. Sunday L. Ezeoha, who represented the Dean of the faculty, expressed his utmost satisfaction with the Outcome-Based Education (OBE) training program. He commended the faculty for embracing OBE as a transformative approach to education. He emphasized that by equipping the lecturers with the necessary knowledge and skills through this training, the faculty is empowering future engineers with the tools they need to succeed. He also highlighted the significant role this initiative plays in contributing to the overall advancement of the engineering profession in Nigeria. The Associate Dean’s closing remarks reflected the commitment of the Faculty of Engineering, University of Nigeria Nsukka to delivering high-quality education and producing competent engineers who are well-prepared for the challenges of the industry.

The UNN OBE training was implemented as part of Engineering Program for Safety and Industry (EPSI), a project supported by the Royal Academy of Engineering and the Lloyd’s Register Foundation under the «Engineering X Engineering Skills where they are Most Needed Impact Grants Call 2021/23 scheme.