Education

UNN Engineering faculty holds 3-day workshop 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 June 21st to June 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 organised by the Engineering Education Research Group (EERG) in collaboration with the Faculty of Engineering at UNN.

Coordinator of the research group, Dr Ijeoma Ezika, expressed her delight at the opportunity to bring transformative training to UNN’s lecturers.

She emphasised the importance of expanding the knowledge and skill set of Nigerian universities’ faculty members in OBE principles and implementations.

The event coordinator, Dr Patrick Akpan, 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 revolutionise 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 programme.

He commended the faculty for embracing OBE as a transformative approach to education.

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