Report on IEEE HuAC Training, 2018

The 1^st IEEE Humanitarian Action Committee (IEEE HuAC) Training Program on Renewable energy is platform that affords students, staffs and members of the host communities the opportunity to learn how to build solar related systems. This event held on the 17^TH-18^TH of September, 2018 at the Mechatronics Engineering NI Lab, Federal University of Technology, Owerri, (FUTO) starting from 9am to 4pm daily. The IEEE African Council Chair- Engr. Prof. (Mrs) Gloria Chukwudebe declared the event open after inspiring the participants on the gains expected from the practical workshop. The FUTO Branch councilor/event coordinator- Engr. Dr. Kennedy Chinedu Okafor and the IEEE Region 8 SIGHT Chair were present to monitor and coordinate the project. The facilitators include Engr. Dr. Ekene Samuel Mbonu, Mr. Reginald Ogu, FUTO SB Councilor (Dr. Kennedy), and Staff Technologists from EEE Department who featured as supervisors during the hands-on design. The two (2) days practical design course focused on Solar power generation, equipment donation, exhibitions, as well as Questions & Answers from participants. Over 70 participants drawn from Science, Technology, Engineering & Mathematics Departments (STEM Disciplines) attended the workshop. The program covered Hands on Training /Group Contests, Learning of new skills in electronics, Design and generation of alternative power supply using solar panels Internet business, SDGs lectures, amongst others.  A practical design on Solar Night activated Torch was built by participants via group hands-on participation and awards were given to the best three groups. The collaborating partners to the event include: The Nigeria Energy Forum; Institute Of Electrical and Electronics Engineers (IEEE) Nigeria Section; Nigerian Institution Of Power Engineers; Nigerian Institution Of ICT Engineers; Association Of Professional Women Engineers Of Nigeria (APWEN); National Solar Power Authority (NASPA); National Board For Technical Education (NBTE); Nigerian Electricity Regulatory Commission (NERC) and IEEE FUTO SB, Mechatronics Engineering and EEE departments, FUTO.

Kennedy Chinedu Okafor, Ph.D, SMIEEE

Lead Project Coordinator.