Students of the University of Cross River State (UNICROSS) are set to acquire advanced technical and creative skills, gain practical experience in modern fabrication and improve their readiness for employment and entrepreneurship following the University’s acquisition of two modern laser cutting machines.
The equipment, procured by the Vice Chancellor, Professor Francisca Bassey, will provide students in the Departments of Wood Products Engineering and Visual Arts with access to technology used in contemporary manufacturing, product design and creative production.
Delivered to the University’s Calabar Campus, the machines comprise one designed for cutting metal materials and another for non-metal materials, opening up new possibilities for practical instruction, experimentation and project development.
For students of Wood Products Engineering, the technology will enhance their exposure to precision cutting, material processing, product development and modern fabrication techniques, while students of Visual Arts will have opportunities to explore more advanced approaches to creative design, artistic production and material manipulation.
Beyond improving classroom instruction, the equipment will allow students to translate theoretical concepts into tangible products, work on practical projects and develop solutions that demonstrate their technical abilities and creativity.
The hands-on experience is expected to strengthen their problem-solving abilities, improve their proficiency in using modern production equipment and give them a better understanding of the technological processes shaping their respective fields.
The machines will also provide academic staff with improved teaching resources for practical demonstrations, research and production activities, while creating opportunities for students to explore innovative ideas and develop products with potential commercial applications.
The procurement followed Professor Bassey’s visit to Cyprus, where she observed the application of similar technologies and identified their potential to improve practical training, stimulate creativity and expand production capabilities at the University.
The machines are expected to be installed in their respective departments shortly and subsequently made available for teaching, research, practical exercises and production activities.
The acquisition reflects Professor Bassey’s commitment to making university education more practical, technology-driven and responsive to the changing demands of the workplace.
By exposing students to modern fabrication and design technology before graduation, UNICROSS is providing them with opportunities to develop competencies that can support careers in manufacturing, engineering, product design, creative industries and self-employment.
By Kingsley Agim
