Nigerian Engineering graduate wins prestigious award at UK univer
Wed, 07 Mar 2012 16:38:00 GMT
A Nigerian engineering graduate has won the Fen Arthur Prize for Best Overall Engineering Project in 2011 at the University of Huddersfield.
Caroline Ekanem received her award in her home country on Friday 17 February in Lagos during the British Council’s Annual UK Education Exhibition at Zinnia Hall in the Eko Exhibition Centre (Victoria Island, Lagos).
Caroline received her prize from Julie Wilkinson, a lecturer at the University of Huddersfield’s School of Computing and Engineering, who presented the award on behalf of retired Professor of Engineering, Fen Arthur. Professor Arthur created the prize following his retirement from the University to encourage young engineers in their education and career.
Caroline from Uyo State, joined the University of Huddersfield in 2010 on the Engineering with Technology Management (Electronic and Electrical BEng(Hons)), which she completed with First Class Honours in June 2011.
The course is unique in that it provides a route for international students with relevant diploma qualifications – such as those from NCUK in Nigeria – to gain direct entry into degree programmes and possible progression to postgraduate programmes.
“It’s a challenge for any international student to adjust to University life in the UK,” said lecturer Julie Wilkinson, “but Caroline quickly settled in and made excellent progress on all her modules. The additional challenge for Caroline was that of starting a family – it was quite a feat of engineering in itself to juggle a baby and full-time studies!
The Fen Arthur Prize is awarded annually to the Best Overall Engineering Project and competition for this coveted award is intense amongst the students. Caroline’s project won the vote against more than 240 other engineering projects in automotive, mechanical, electrical and electronic, energy and music technology. Her project entailed analysis, design, build and testing of a Three-Phase Power Analyser and her examiners commended all areas of the project as well as the written, academic account of her research.
Caroline remains modest in her achievements and paid due compliments to her tutors at the University: “I couldn't have made it without them all believing in me when I arrived in September. I am so thankful to them and will never forget their contribution to my success.”
