Practical content of engineering education for entrepreneurship, innovation, safety, and sustainability: The perspectives of university of Nigeria's Students

Abstract

This study investigates the practical content of engineering education in Nigeria, specifically focusing on its alignment with the demands for entrepreneurship, innovation, safety, and sustainability. Despite the vital role of engineering in sustainable nation development, concerns persist regarding the preparedness of Nigerian engineering graduates for the modern job market, a disparity underscored by existing literature. This research aims to explore and develop practical content within engineering curricula that better integrates these essential skills. Through a case study of the University of Nigeria, Nsukka (UNN), the study reviewed current engineering curricula to identify areas for improvement in promoting entrepreneurship, innovation, safety, and sustainability. Furthermore, it identifies and explores new teaching methods and approaches to enhance the practical relevance of engineering education. The effectiveness of any proposed curriculum enhancements and teaching methods will be assessed. This investigation utilizes a mixed-methods approach, relying on self-reported data from students, faculty, and industry experts at UNN. While the findings may not be generalizable to other institutions due to the confined scope and limited sample size, this study offers valuable insights into enhancing engineering education within the Nigerian context.