AKSU COLLABORATES WITH US-BASED SCHOLAR ON RESEARCH COMPETITION 

The Department of Agricultural Engineering, Akwa Ibom State University (AKSU) has announced its collaborative efforts with Engr. Kingsley Umani, a researcher at the Washington State University, United States of America (USA) for a research competition. This was made known by the Head of the Department, Dr. Promise Etim during the unveiling event Monday, October 28, 2024, at the Main Campus, Ikot Akpaden, Mkpat Enin Local Government Area.

In his opening remarks, Dr. Etim said that the competition aims to showcase the research findings from projects undertaken by both Postgraduate and undergraduate students. He added that the competition is open to students who have completed various research projects in 2024 and that participants will be evaluated based on the scientific rigour of their research, the visual appeal of their posters, and the clarity of their oral presentations.

The Head of the Department also informed participants that the research projects featured in the competition will span thematic areas such as: Environmental Engineering, Solid Waste Management, Crop Storage Facility Development, Solar Drying and Renewable Systems for Agricultural Products, Farm Machinery Design, Post-Harvest Processing Machines, Irrigation Systems Development, Land Development, Waste Water Treatment, Biodiesel Production, Farm Structures and Farmstead Development, Integrated Farm Projects and Management. He concluded that registration for the competition will commence on November 4, 2024, while the main event is set to take place in January 2025.

In a Zoom address at the briefing ceremony, the Principal Partner, Kingsley Umani highlighted that the competition seeks to build confidence and knowledge in research and development, enhance communication skills to foster academic and professional excellence and cultivate interdisciplinary networks and resources. The US-based Scholar also indicated that prizes would be given to the top three participants.

Highlights of the event included: the official launch of the Department's inaugural Poster Competition for Postgraduate and Final-year students; presentation of the competition's concept note; and the launch of its dedicated website by Mr. Ubong Essien from the Directorate of Information and Communications Technology (ICT), AKSU.

The event was witnessed by several staff and students of the University.