What does your project involve?
We build and maintain capacity for safe and innovative engineering education and practice by understanding and closing the gaps between engineering education and industry practice in Nigeria. For example, we are introducing an impactful curriculum and set of guidelines for developing, tracking and verifying engineering skills.
Can you give us an example of using an inclusive approach in your programme activities?
The project recognised the importance of including students to gain valuable insights. Students highlighted the absence of academia-industry linkages and the potential of digital transformations for outcome-based engineering education (OBE). They also emphasised essential skills for engineering graduates including IT, risk management, critical thinking, and leadership.
Did you face any challenges including students?
Initially, some people doubted the need to involve students, preferring to rely on decisions made by the perceived main stakeholders. However, recognising the pivotal role of students as recipients of OBE, we insisted on their inclusion. The budget initially overlooked student's involvement, but we addressed this by adjusting our resources to enable student group discussions and interviews.
What were the outcomes?
Through student engagement, the project uncovered the lack of collaboration between academia and industry, leading to efforts to bridge the gap and increase industry involvement in OBE. All stakeholders recognised the importance of addressing this gap to enhance engineering education and practice.
We have learned that the active involvement of all stakeholders, including students, teachers, industry representatives, and regulators, in policy-making processes is essential. This inclusive approach ensures that the needs and interests of all stakeholders are considered, leading to more effective and sustainable outcomes.
'"The project recognised the importance of including students to gain valuable insights. Students highlighted the absence of academia-industry linkages and the potential of digital transformations for outcome-based engineering education"
Dr Uzor Onyia
Using an inclusive approach can pave the way for ground-breaking solutions, allowing local communities to actively shape the future.
We believe in the power of shared experiences, so if you have any inspiring stories or examples of how inclusivity has made a difference in your own projects, we'd love to hear from you.