"The advent of IEEE in the University of Ado-Ekiti, Nigeria would not have come at a better time than now; since the University seeks for advancement, most importantly in the areas of science and engineering."

This is quoting from the Deputy Vice Chancellor of UNAD, Professor Dipo Kolawole in the formal opening ceremony of IEEE University of Ado-Ekiti (UNAD) Student Branch held on 3-4 February 2006 with more than 200 participants.

IEEE-UNAD Student Branch is the newest Student Branch, thereby making it the 12th among the family of IEEE Student Branches in the Nigeria Section. We had organized a 2-day opening event of our student branch. The biggest support behind us has always been the university and they have supported us before, during and after the event. For example, they had funded 2 students to an IEEE National conference held at Nnamdi Azikiwi University (NAU), Awka in October 2005.

During the opening event, we had different speechs and workshops. A lecture on “Electrical and Electronic Engineering: What is it really?” has been given and during the lecture, the importance of student members and Student Branches in IEEE for sustainability has been mentioned. We also had a Technical Session on “System Integration in Telecommunications“ which was a success and had the interest of students to listen the technical subject. In the second day, we continued with technical sessions.

The meeting was more eventful as IEEE Student Branches of the Obafemi Awolowo University (O.A.U), Ile-Ife and the University of Ibadan (U.I) were fully represented. They also gave their contributions. There was a Project Exhibition on Frequency-Voltage Digital Converter by Seyi Ipinnimo (a 400level student of Electrical Electronic Engineering Department). Afterwards, the Branch Counsellor presented the UNAD Student Branch new Executive Council to the whole house. It was celebrations galore!

The UNAD Student Branch Chair gave his acceptance speech and there was presentation of awards to distinguished people who in one way or the other supported the drive to form a Student Branch in UNAD.

The opening meeting of IEEE UNAD Student Branch was a huge success. Dr. Cleon Anderson, 2005 IEEE President, during his visit to Nigeria, said “the hallmark of engineering is creation, which is the indispensable link to prosperity and technological innovation”. In this regard, we have used this medium to call on the concerned authorities to always support us in whatever capacity so as to support the creative abilities in us in advancing the course of Science and Engineering in the institution.

Ayokunle Opeseitan
IEEE UNAD SB Chair
sb.unad@ieee.org