By Baba Adamu Isa
The Dean of the Faculty of Engineering, Ahmadu Bello University, Prof. J.M. Kaura, has called on engineers, researchers and policymakers to develop practical and affordable solutions to Nigeria’s challenges in energy, transportation, housing, food security and environmental protection.
He made the call on Monday at the opening of the International Conference on Engineering Innovation for Sustainable Development, ICESID 2026, held at Ahmadu Bello University, Zaria.
The conference is themed “Innovating Tomorrow: Harnessing Engineering to Drive Nigeria’s Growth for Sustainable Development.”
Kaura said the theme reflects the urgent need for multidisciplinary collaboration among universities, government, industry and society. According to him, Nigeria’s complex problems cannot be addressed through conventional approaches alone.
“Our nation continues to face significant challenges in energy, transportation, water supply, infrastructure, housing, food security, environmental protection, manufacturing and technological development,” he said.
He described the conference as an important platform for sharing research findings, exchanging professional knowledge, showcasing emerging technologies and building productive collaborations.
The Dean expressed the hope that discussions and technical presentations during the three-day event would go beyond academic exercises to produce implementable solutions, meaningful partnerships and sound policies that will contribute to Nigeria’s industrial and socioeconomic advancement.
He reaffirmed the Faculty’s commitment to excellence in teaching, research, innovation and community service. He said as one of the foremost engineering faculties in Nigeria, ABU recognizes its responsibility to produce competent engineers and generate knowledge capable of addressing national and global development needs.
Kaura thanked the Vice-Chancellor and University Management for their support, and appreciated the Chairman of the occasion, Prof. Emeritus Abubakar Sani Sambo, and the keynote speaker, Prof. Idris Muhammad Bugaje, for honouring the invitation.
He also commended the Conference Organising Committee, Heads of Departments, sponsors, paper presenters and participants joining both physically and virtually for their contributions.
“Let our deliberations produce ideas that can be translated into technologies, policies and projects capable of improving lives and advancing sustainable development,” he concluded.
On behalf of the Faculty, he welcomed all participants to ICESID 2026 and to the historic city of Zaria.
