ENGINEERING RESEARCH, EDUCATION AND TRAINING, QUALITY ASSURANCE

AND CHALLENGES FOR SUSTAINABLE DEVELOPMENT IN DEVELOPING

ECONOMIES (NIGERIA AS ACASE STUDY) BEING ADDRESSED BY ENGR.
DR.ENEM JOHNMARTIN IKEMEFUNA (B.BNG., M.ENG., PhD., MNSE, COREN AT
THE END OF YEAR REUNION EVENT OF THE ESUT CIVIL ENGINEERING CLASS
OF 2008 ON WEDNESDAY, 30TH DECEMBER 2020)

BACKGROUND

It is apt to define and understand the meaning of Engineering which will form the
tripod for our discussion. Definition according to Cambridge English Dictionary:
“Engineering is the study of using Scientific Principles to design and build machines,
structures, and other things, including bridges, roads, vehicles, and buildings”.
According to the Oxford Dictionary: “Engineering is that branch of Science and
Technology concerned with the design, building, and use of engines, machines, and
structure. A field of study or activity concerned with modification or development in a
particular area”. Generally, Engineering is encompassing and quite broad. It is the
creative application of science, mathematical methods, and empirical evidence to the
innovation, design, construction, and maintenance of structures, machines, materials,
devices, systems, processes, and organizations. Engineers apply the theories and
principles of science and mathematics to Research and Develop economical solutions
to technical problems. Their work is the bridge between the conceived social need and
actual applications. Engineers design products, machinery to build those products,
plants in which those products are made, and the system that ensure the quality of
the products and the efficiency of the workforce and manufacturing process.

Engineering has been in existence ever since ancient times, when humans developed
and devised inventions such as wedge, lever, wheel and pulley. This era was called the
“stone age”. Over time Engineering has evolved to what we have in the present days
which is referred to as computer age. There are many Engineering disciplines but for
the course of this work emphasis is more on Civil Engineering. Civil Engineering is one
of the oldest of the Engineering. They emphasize mathematical knowledge in geometry,
calculus and physical science. Their works cut across construction of transportation
systems, roads buildings, bridges, and other infrastructures underlying daily life. The
options include construction engineering, structural engineering, transportation
engineering, geotechnical engineering, environmental engineering, urban and
community planning engineering, highway engineering and water resources
engineering.

According to the US Burean of Labour, “Civil Engineer typically analyze survey

reports, maps, and other data to plan projects; consider construction budgets,
government regulations, potential environmental hazards, test building materials such
as concrete; provide cost estimates for materials, labour and equipment.

Engineering is all about science, the two words are interwoven. From the definition of
engineering, it clearly established that engineering is a branch of science and
technology, which implies that Engineering is not static, it is encompassing, it is
evolving, it is discovery, it is developing and its innovating. It should be put straight
here that a scientist is not an engineer but an engineer in the other way round in a
scientist. According Us Department of Labour Summary on profession of Labour: “The
work of an engineer differs from that of a scientist’s who would normally emphasize
the discovery of physical laws rather than apply those phenomena to develop new
products. Engineering is essentially a bridge between scientific discovery and products
applications”. Engineers follow a utilitarian philosophy to renovate old technology or
create inventions through principles based on mathematics or science to benefit the
human race and its condition of life.

Generally, having established the fact that Engineering is science and evolving. There
is, therefore every need for proper education and training of engineers as well as
research. This will ensure for better ideas, development of sophisticated system and
machine to meet the present condition of life.

Engineering is the hub of the developmental process of every nation. With a good
Engineering framework the development of a nation is home and dry. Engineers drive
the economies of very nation and that is the reason why the training and education of
an engineer including research cannot be over emphasized.

Who Is a Civil Engineer

A Civil Engineer as defined above is a person that applies the theories and principles
of Science and Mathematics to research and develop economical solutions to technical
problems. An Engineer does an extensive analysis at all times. He considers the
environmental factors and determines the best materials and methods for
construction bearing in mind the cost implication and safety of the projects. A Civil
Engineer can be a consultant, constructor or a teacher.

Consulting Engineer

Consulting Civil Engineer is always in the front line. He gets brief from the clients to
plan, manage, design and supervise the projections.

Construction Engineer (Contractor)

A Construction Engineer is the action moving. He is saddled with the responsibility of

actualizing the project that is, he translates the design work of the consulting engineer
into reality. They work in conjunction with consulting engineer.

Teacher Engineer

The teacher Engineer However is the formator of all other engineers. He is the engine
block of the engineering profession. He interface between the theory and practice, and
lay a good platform and foundation for other engineers to spring up. He work is
indispensable.

Generally, all Civil Engineering needs a good knowledge and understanding of

conceptualizing ideas, design and construction processes as well as issue relating to
health safety and environmental (HSE), hence the need for research, education and
Training.

Engineering Research, Education & Training

Borrowing a leave from the Cambridge English Dictionary, Engineering is the “Study”
of using scientific principles to design and Build. The implication of this definition is
that “Engineering” is continuous; it is a process that involves a continual formulation
of principles and its study. Therefore, research, education and training are integral
part of Engineering. Engineering has evolved from the stone age to the present age
(Computer age) through the process of research, education and training, hence the
important of research, education and training in engineering cannot be over
emphasized.

Engineering Research

Engineering Research seeks fresh improvements, and enhancements in theory and

practice in fields such as learning, construction, consulting and high speed
computation. This research seeks to create design solutions to real – world problems
thereby making the world to function properly. In principles, engineering research is
summarized as the systematic process of learning about new ideas, building new
technologies, discovering reliable materials and method of applications. Engineering
research is aimed at discovery and methodical structuring of knowledge. And they are
also concerned on how this knowledge can serve the needs and wants of humanity.

It is pertinent to note that almost all engineering research is driven by the anticipated
value of an application. Research is informed but it should be noted that not all
potential applications can be anticipate. Generally, engineering research is not time
bound. The time from research to production or application varies from research to
research. Some may be few years whereas some may time decades.

Categories of Engineering Research

Basically, engineering research can be categorized into two forms namely: Academic
and Industrial. Academic research seeks to improve or find new ideas, principles or
methodology. The results of academic research emerge in journal articles, at academic
conferences, and seminars. The industrial research in the other hand seeks the
development of products, machines and materials. The results are emerges in the
market. Notably, academic research can as well result into finished product and
materials as in that of industry. Arguably, there is a serious and meaningful
interaction between the Academe and industry. The academe is responsible as
underscored above with the formulation principles and methods used in the education
of engineers who will returns supervise the high level of engineering required by
industry. Industry as well translates the formulated ideas and principles by the
academe into products and material. Engineering research done in collaboration and
cooperation of academe and industry results in a mutual benefit. Hence, there should
always be a synergy between the academe and industry in engineering research which
will enhance the finish products for the service of mankind.

Engineering Education and Training

The important of Engineering education and training is undoubtedly overwhelming

and can never be de-emphasized owing to the fact that engineering is the hub of every
development. Briefly engineering education and training can be defined as: Teaching
and inculcating knowledge and principle related to the professional practice of
engineering. It involves systematic instruction. Engineering education and training is
an activities, its continuous and endless. It includes the initial education as in
Bachelor’s of Engineering (B.Eng.) and because of its continuity, the training could be
furthered to higher level (Postgraduate) as in master’s of engineering (M.Eng) and
Doctor of philosophy (PhD) and any other advanced level. It is worthwhile to note that
the foundation of engineering education and training is layed at primary and
secondary school level where basic science and mathematics are taught.

Classification of Engineering Education and Training

Engineering Education and training can be classified as formal and informal. Both are
indispensable in the formation of an engineer, they complement each other. Formal
Engineering education and training are the activity of teaching knowledge and
principles to the professional practice of Engineering at the universities. At this level
emphasis are more on the theoretical than the practical. The length or duration of this
training spans to 5years for B.Eng, 2years for M.Eng and 4years for Ph.D.

Informal Engineering Education and Training are post-university experience, which is

the consolidation of the principles and knowledge acquired at the university level. It
could be by industrial training or by continual practices. The duration is not time
bound, it is endless and continuous with respective to the engineer in question.

In furtherance, Education at the universities levels equips the students only with the
potential to analyze, design and construction of projects. Whereas training is the
process of transforming the principles and knowledge acquired at the university level
into practices. Training aims at giving the student the competencies, skills, Abilities
and Altitudes in the field of Engineering.

Important of Engineering Education and Training

The world is globalizing and moving fast from the computer age to the jet age which
implies that the current engineering practices and methodology will soon be obsolete.
Hence there is need for improvement on the engineering principle, and this wouldn’t
be realistic without Engineering education and training. The technology and its
application are changing rapidly in an unprecedented manner and in other for
engineers to be at the same page with this development, Engineer need to develop and
update their knowledge in professional life in a continuous manner. There is high
demand for the education and training of engineers, because the system responsible
for producing engineers is failing globally. To keep pace with this natural and inherent
dynamism of our time emphasis should be layed on the important of Engineering
education and training. In generally, the society and industries of tomorrow will gain
immensely from the education and training of Engineers in their area of
specializations. These Engineers will integrate specialist expertise with an ability to
operate across boundaries in increasingly complex environments and reconcile it with
a spirit of creativity and innovation. It is necessary to move away from the current
research sequence towards the one that recognizes and rewards time and energy
invested in educational innovation and change.

The Key Players in Engineering Research, Education and Training

Education and Training of Engineers are serious business that requires a serene
atmosphere and enabling environment. These atmosphere and environment are all
encompassing and requires investors and players which include but not limited to
government agencies, private sectors, businessmen teachers, industrialist and
funders. These stakeholders mentioned above determine the vibrant of the educational
system of a nation. The government agencies are responsible for making good polices
that will make the system work and as well provide the required funds. Private sectors
and industrialist partners with the government in creating a sound approach to the
education and training of engineers. While the teacher holds the necessary knowledge
and latest teaching approaches to ensure graduates are equipped will the skill needed
for works in the labour market. In principle all the key players are important in the
education and training of engineers. They work hand in hand in realizing and
actualizing that standard training required in forming engineers.

Quality Assurance (QA)

The live span of every project is determined by the level of quality assurance,
therefore, emphasis should be placed on quality assurance. In a nutshell, quality
assurance is defined as the systematic process of determining whether a product or
service meets specified requirement. Quality assurance is a proactive process, and it is
preventive in nature. It looks out for error and flaws in the process. Quality assurance
(QA) is quite different but Interrelated with Quality control (QC). They are often used
interchangeably. Quality assurance activities and responsibilities cover almost all of
the quality system in one way or another, while quality control is a subset of the
quality assurance activities. QA is focusing on preventing defect while QC is focusing
on identifying the defect, hence quality control has to complete after quality
assurance. Both belong to the larger family called quality management. The diagram
below Explains the difference between QC and QA.

Product Process

Reactive Proactive

Line Staff
Function
Function

Find Prevent

Defect Defect

Quality Assurance utilizes One of Three Methods

 Failure testing, which continually tests a product to determine if it breaks or

fails, for physical products that needs to with stand stress, this could involves testing
the product under heat, pressure or vibration. For software products, failure testing
might involve placing the software under high usage or load condition.
 Statistical process control (SPC) a methodology based on objective data and
analysis and developed by watter shewhart at western Electric company and Bell
Telephone Laboratohries in the 1920’s and 1930’s. this methodology uses statistical
methods to manage and control the production of products
 Total quality management (TQM), which applies quantitative methods as the
basis for continues improvement. TQM relies on facts, data and analysis to support
product planning and performance reviews.

ENGINEERING EDUCATION FOR SUSTAINABLE DEVELOPMENT

Knowledge is the live line of any society. The vibrant and greatness of any society is a
function of the acquired knowledge of its components. Universities and institutes of
higher learning remain the centers of acquiring and creating knowledge. Knowledge is
not static, it is being developed and updated continuously to better and improve the
lives of the nation. Therefore, engineering knowledge acquired through appropriate
structures plays a significant role in the attainment of a high level of technological
advancement. It is needful at this point to define sustainable development which
simply means “the organizing principle for meeting human development goals which
simultaneously sustaining the ability of natural systems to provide the natural
resources and ecosystem services on which the economy and society depend”. This
definition implies that engineering education and training remains the major key
player in sustainable development of the nation.

Engineering education at all level for the training of engineers, researchers and
teachers should be directed towards sustainable development and advance
environmentally-aware attitudes, skills and behaviour patterns, as well as a sense of
ethical responsibility. There should be re-examination of the curriculum and
restructuring of research and teaching in the universities and institutions of higher
learning in other to create a technological world that will engender sustainability.

Engineering curriculum and education for sustainable development

Engineering education and training is a field with strong methods and traditions.
Therefore the transition from this methodology and traditional approaches to
innovative curricula based on active learning represents a major challenge.
Nevertheless, there are other barriers when trying to embed a sustainability culture in
higher education institutions. Engineering education is witnessing strong waves of
challenges such as Globalization, ‘new world order’, global crises. Globalization and
information technology has affected the world greatly and will continue to affect the
socio-economic structure of our country, its competitiveness in the global arena,
meeting environmental challenges and improving the welfare of its respective
populations.

In view of all these, Engineering Curriculum have to be restructured bearing in mind

that the quality and components of education that a country delivers on its population
has and will undoubtedly play a major role in prosperity and sustainability of the
nation. The curriculum should be robust in all ramifications and a more holistic
engineering program is required; a program that is comprised of a good mix of
engineering, scientific, technological knowledge, plus managerial, innovation,
economic, communication and more importantly ethical and moral knowledge and
skills.
Problems facing Engineering Education for Sustainable development
Adequate engineering knowledge acquired through appropriate structure plays a vital
role in reaching a high level of technological advancement. Arguably, most developing
countries like Nigeria find it nearly impossible or difficult to impact adequate
knowledge and training to their engineers at different levels of learning and training.
These challenges facing our educational system in Nigeria include: poor funding, lack
of high-quality manpower, lack of equipment, inadequate of industrial training, poor
attitude of employers, and lack of structures (facilities).

Paradigm shift in engineering education for sustainable development

For sustainable development in Nigeria, the engineers and the formators have to move
from the present way of thinking to more sophisticated. Engineering students should
learn to reflect critically on traditional engineering paradigms. A new engineering
programs have to be formulated and developed, aiming at a sustainable society,
enhancing new engineering careers and new academic careers, from discipline
oriented approaches to integrated approaches. In the other hand Federal Government
should formulate workable policies that will hence the learning environment and
remuneration for practicing engineers. Federal Government should partner with
professional and international agency for assistance in the training and practice of
engineers in our country. These in return will bring about a meaningful development
comparable with foreign countries.

CONCLUSION
The important of Engineering research, Education and training in sustainable
development can never be overemphasized. Therefore their training should be
paramount to the authority responsible for educational system in Nigeria. If engineers
are to contribute to the development of our country there should be a paradigm shift
in the way of thinking, moral and behaviour. Engineering curriculum has to be
restructured to accommodation sustainable development.

The key players in the Engineering Research, Education and training needs to
redefine, address, and prioritize the real issue facing this generation and future
generations. The reasons behind any success is competitive, therefore the federal
government which is the major key player in the educational system should create an
enabling environment that will engender sustainability development.