Q/A: NUST School of Engineering 2025 achievements and successes

Q/A: NUST School of Engineering 2025 achievements and successes

By: Werner Mbwangela, School of Engineering Representative

 1. What were the School of Engineering’s most notable accomplishments this year? 

This year, the School of Engineering achieved remarkable milestones focused on student success and academic improvement. One of the biggest highlights was the successful hosting of the Winter School Program, which provided extra learning support for students in challenging modules. The initiative helped many students strengthen their understanding and improve their academic performance. Additionally, I worked closely with the Engineering Societies at NUST, who organized sessions that brought in industry experts and guest lecturers to share real-world insights with students. These engagements bridged the gap between theory and practice, enriching the overall learning experience. On a student welfare level, I successfully resolved several financial and registration-related challenges, enabling senior engineering students who were previously unable to register due to outstanding debts to continue their studies. Furthermore, I advocated for new and updated computers with the latest engineering software for the School of Engineering, which have since been delivered and are now actively in use. 

2. Based on this year’s experiences, what goals or initiatives are the School of Engineering planning for the upcoming year? 

Building on the success of this year, we plan to expand the Winter School Program and Summer School Program to make it an annual academic support initiative. The goal is to strengthen student performance and reduce failure rates in key engineering modules. We also aim to enhance partnerships with industry experts through more regular seminars, mentorship sessions, and collaborative student projects. This will give students greater exposure to current technologies and practical skills that prepare them for the professional world. In addition, there are plans to continue improving laboratory and computer facilities, ensuring every engineering student has access to the best tools and resources available.

 3. How has the school collaborated with industries, communities, or other institutions this year, and what difference did it make?

 The School of Engineering actively collaborated with several engineering societies and industry partners, who shared their expertise through guest lectures and workshops. These interactions exposed students to real-world applications and emerging industry trends. Additionally, I encouraged and assisted high school learners to pursue careers in engineering, helping them with applications and sharing insights about life at NUST. This effort not only inspired learners but also contributed to building the future pipeline of NUST engineering students. Through the LELO Energies Student Conference, valuable networks were established with professionals in the energy sector that can lead to mentorship and collaboration opportunities benefiting both current and future students. 

4. What is one key lesson or piece of advice from this year that you would like students or aspiring engineers to carry forward? 

The most important lesson from this year is that leadership and engineering go hand in hand. Solving problems whether technical or social requires persistence, teamwork, and compassion. To every aspiring engineer, I would say: never underestimate the power of initiative. Whether it’s helping a fellow student, proposing a new idea, or advocating for better resources, your actions can create lasting impact. Engineering is not just about machines and systems it’s about building solutions that make life better for others