Obafemi Awolowo University (OAU), one of Nigeria’s topmost universities, has unveiled a state-of-the-art Computer-Aided Design and Computer-Aided Manufacturing (CAD/CAM) laboratory. The facility, which is valued at millions of naira, was donated by OAU alumnus and Moniepoint co-founder, Tosin Eniolorunda.
The lab, now bearing Eniolorunda’s name, represents a major upgrade to the university’s Mechanical Engineering department. It boasts high-performance computers, interactive electronic boards, and advanced power and cooling systems. This modern setup aims to bridge the gap between theoretical knowledge and practical application in engineering.
At the commissioning ceremony, OAU Vice-Chancellor Professor Simeon Bamire expressed gratitude for the timely donation, highlighting the financial constraints faced by Nigerian universities. He emphasized the lab’s potential to enhance learning experiences and foster academia-industry collaboration.
“We are really very grateful for this laboratory considering that we are almost phasing out some of these things as a result of paucity of funds. This has to do with the yearnings which will also improve the livelihoods of our people, especially the students. So when we have an organization that has come in to meet our needs, we can only say thank you. This laboratory will help improve and enhance a lot of things within the University for students and staff and also drive collaboration between the academia and industry,” Prof. Bamire said.
Eniolorunda, the driving force behind this initiative, sees the lab as more than just an upgrade. He said:
“This newly revamped lab represents more than just an upgrade, it stands as part of a personal commitment to foster a generation of engineers and innovators who are not only skilled, but also inspired to think critically and creatively about real-world problems. A catalyst for innovation for the next generation of engineers and technologists who will drive Nigeria’s economic growth and advancement. By investing in STEM education and providing access to platforms like this lab, we’re laying the critical rails for the emergence of leaders, innovators, and changemakers that Nigeria needs,”
The investment comes at a crucial time, with recent surveys indicating that less than 25% of African students pursue STEM-related fields. This new facility is expected to spark interest in prototyping, design, and engineering among Nigerian youth.
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Professor Lasisi Umoru, Dean of the Faculty of Technology, predicts that the lab will boost research capabilities, improve graduates’ employability, and serve as a model for STEM education facilities across Nigeria.
As Africa’s young population continues to grow, with over 60% under 25, initiatives like this play a vital role in preparing the next generation for the global tech industry. The Tosin Eniolorunda CAD/CAM lab stands as a beacon of hope for aspiring engineers and innovators, promising to shape Nigeria’s technological future.