The Vice Chancellor, Nnamdi Azikiwe University Awka , Prof. Joseph Ahaneku is a happy man now following the feat achieved by his students. This was because the Department of Mechanical Engineering of the university had again proved that it was not just good in theory but also in the practical aspect of their studies.
Seven graduating students from the department constructed a “made in Nigeria” mini bus to the satisfaction of the university community. They were supervised by the Head of the department, Dr. C.H. Achebe. South East Voice learned that the group, which is known as ‘AUTOZIK II,’ spent over five months constructing the mini bus for shuttles within and around the university with locally sourced materials.
Like the popular saying, “What a man can do, a woman can do even better,” the conspicuous presence of a female, ‘Okoro Chinaza’ in the team spoke volumes. On how she was able to surmount the challenges as the only female in the midst of her male counterparts with respect to the stress as$ociated with such herculean tasks.
“I had always been in their midst right from my first year in school, so it was not really a big deal.”She disclosed that she had always followed her pas$ion regardless of what people around will say or think of her.
The Autozik group made the design using CAD software, and necessary simulation softwares for the analysis, putting the environment into critical consideration. The bus has good seating positions, better fuel conservation, good pas$enger view and very good aesthetics. It was built to suit the topography of our environment.
According to him, the bus was constructed from start to finish inside the mechanical workshop of the university. He disclosed that the project was aimed at advancing the ergonomic standard of existing shuttle buses.
“We thank God, who has brought us this far, we also thank our supervisor and the Head of Department Dr. C.H. Achebe. The team finally praised the Vice Chancellor, Prof. Ahaneku, for his fatherly live and support.
