There is jubilation across the world by Biomedical Engineers and scholars for the introduction of Bachelor of Engineering (B.Eng.) Biomedical Engineering Programme by the Nnamdi Azikiwe University, Awka, UNIZIK Anambra State.
The introduction has been seen as a new era for Healthcare and Tech Innovation in Nigeria powered by
Nnamdi Azikiwe University, Awka popularly known as UNIZIK.
With this launch of Bachelor of Engineering certification in Biomedical Engineering Programme,it shows that
UNIZIK has taken a historic leap into the future of healthcare and technology.
This innovative academic program was duly cleared by the National Universities Commission (NUC) on 6th September 2024 after successful verification of the resources conducted in July 2024. The programme is housed in the engineering faculty sitting in the main campus of the university and began in the 2024/2025 academic session.
Biomedical Engineering is an interdisciplinary field that integrates principles of engineering with biological and medical sciences to develop technologies that improve human health.
This new program turns UNIZIK into one of these progressive schools in the world that strives to meet the necessity in qualifying more professionals to bridge the gap between medicine and engineering.
The induction ceremony to welcome the first batch of students into the department took place on July 24, 2025, in NEEDS Assessment Building, Faculty of Engineering.
It was a colorful and historic gathering, where university leaders, intellectuals, technical professionals and other stakeholders in the health and engineering sectors were in attendance.
The key highlights of the event included an instructive lecture by Dr. Ihim Augustine Chinedu the Head of the Department of Clinical Chemistry, Faculty of Medical Laboratory Science, UNIZIK. Dr. Ihim, the guest lecturer, guided the students through an intensive investigation of the scope and disciplines of biomedical engineering. Bionics, medical imaging, biomechanics, rehabilitation engineering, biomaterials, genetic engineering, and bionanotechnology were the primary subjects that he discussed in his lecture.
He provided fascinating case studies, which showed biomedical engineering principles being applied in the real world, such as use of Heart-Lung Machine during cardiac surgeries, the various types of neural prostheses, e.g., the BrainGate systems, robotic arms, cochlear implants, and orthopaedic replacements of limbs.
He focused on how biomedical engineers play a key role in the development of innovations in patient care, surgical processes, and life quality.
Emeritus Professor Sam Omenyi, in his opening address, congratulated the students on being the pioneers in the Department of Biomedical Engineering. He encouraged them to stay focused and to know that the decisions they make will create a lasting impression on their careers and their future.
The Dean of Faculty of engineering, Prof. Ugochukwu Okonkwo, encouraged the students to be committed in their academic course because the faculty and department is all there to assist them to academic and professional excellence.
Dr. Christian Emeka Okafor the Coordinator of the Biomedical Engineering Programme urged students to utilize the rich curriculum which involves a practical component in biomedical instrumentation, clinical engineering, rehabilitation technologies and medical device design.
He pointed out that these areas need to be focused on developing applicable skills so that they can be best equipped to stand out in the job market and be more innovative when they complete school.
Others who addressed the students on the day included Prof. Chinonso Achebe, former Dean of Student Affairs, who in his address sensitized the students on the General Academic Regulations of the university (GAR) and urged the students to be bound by rules of the institution.
Immediate past Dean of Engineering, Prof. Solomon Nwigbo and the Head of Department of Mechanical Engineering, Dr. Jude Dara also spoke to the students advising them to be focused and pursue excellence.
Other illustrious persons present were Comrade Izuchukwu Ejikeme, former president of the Students Union Government (SUG), Hon. Arthur Obidiume, CEO of Sir Lands Construction Ltd, and Barr. Francis Ndudi who is the CEO of Afrihomes Properties Ltd.
The ceremony also included administration of the oath of allegiance, cutting of the inaugural cake, as well as presentation of awards.
In the meantime, the entry window has been opened to a 2025/2026 academic year. The Biomedical Engineering course is open to candidates who choose UNIZIK as their first choice in the Unified Tertiary Matriculation Examination (UTME) organized by JAMB and have a minimum score of 180.
English Language, Mathematics, Physics, and Biology/Chemistry are the UTME subject combination.
Direct Entry candidates with appropriate qualification like OND, HND, A-Level or First Degree in fields of related certainly are invited to apply as well. Such applicants may however apply even though they did not make UNIZIK their first choice of the institution:
This would require them to undergo a change of institution procedure in any JAMB CBT centre.
For creating this programme, Nnamdi Azikiwe University will be not only multiplying its academic offerings in this context but will also be addressing a national imperative to supply the country with professionals who will enhance and advance medical technologies to address the health demands of the 21 st century. It is hoped that the B.Eng. Biomedical Engineering programme at UNIZIK would result in the graduation of engineers who would ultimately influence the innovation of medical diagnostic systems, treatment technologies, rehabilitation equipment, hospital gear, etc.
This is indeed a historic moment in the history of UNIZIK and a long-term contribution to the Nigeria endeavour to find indigenous solutions in science, health, and engineering. Biomedical is the future now!