Aliyu Jidda.
The outgoing Vice Chancellor, Prof Abdullahi Bala fsssn has expressed confidence and overwhelming joy to the Advanced Engineering Innovation Group (AEIRG) for the ground breaking research and innovation work being carried out by the group.
The Vice Chancellor made the commendation during the Commissioning of the Advanced Engineering Innovation Centre (AEIC) edifice named in his honour on Thursday 1st December, 2022 at the Main Campus, Gidan Kwano.
He disclosed that the University has not put in a kobo in the edifice, as the construction was from the proceeds of the research grands of the group. ” Ordinarily, the group would have just shared the money and use it to take wine or buy personal things” the VC reiterated.
Speaking earlier, the ‘Director, Entrepreneurship Unit and lead of e- Learning Unit of the Group, Engr. Dr. Caroline Alenoghena stated that the edifice being commissioned was named after the erudite Vice Chancellor of the University, Prof. Abdul Bala, FSSSN for bringing prosperity to Advanced Engineering Innovation Research Group.
She noted that 5 years back when they wrote a proposal to the Vice Chancellor they won and they have been winning. As such, today they have invited him to commission this edifice for the betterment of the University and the betterment of Research and Innovation.
Engr. Dr. Alenoghena emphasized that the building is a rallying point for everyone in the University, adding that everyone is encouraged to come forward as it is not just meant for Engineering.
On his part, the Pioneer Coordinator of the Group and current Vice Chancellor, Summit University, Offa, Prof. Abiodun Musa Abinu stated that five years ago they had the dream of building an Innovation Centre at FUT Minna thereby making FUT Minna the Mecca of Mechatronics Engineering , the Bethlehem of Artificial Intelligence and an innovation Centre of Excellence.
According to him, the magnificent innovation Centre shall be a world class facilities with laboratory because the project being commissioned was just one out of eighteen buildings.
The Advanced Engineering Innovation Research Group (AEIRG) is meant to establish a world – class environment for the Nigeria community service and research breakthroughs.
The group consists of several departments, including Computer Engineering, Electrical and Electronic Engineering, Mechatronics Engineering, Telecommunications Engineering, Physics and Mathematics with specialisation in the design, development and production of intelligence system as well as commercialization through collaboration with businesses, other educational institutions and Ministry of Defence.
The Coordinator further stated that the group has outstanding facilities and have received national and international grands in recent years.
Photo credit: Elijah Yisa