Udoye Tobechukwu recently graduated from Covenant University’s mechanical engineering department, where he served as president, with a cumulative grade point average (CGPA) of 4.78 out of a possible 5. He speaks on his internship in France and career goals. Excerpt
Please share with Edugist, a little about yourself and your background
My name is Udoye Tobechukwu David and I’m a recent graduate of mechanical engineering at Covenant University. I hail from Aniocha, Anambra State but I reside in Warri, Delta State. I’m passionate about my Christian faith, automobiles, finding solutions to everyday problems, politics, sports, history and learning more.
Could you tell us about your experience studying mechanical engineering? Take us through your journey in school
At first, I didn’t know I would cope in mechanical engineering. I didn’t know a lot about engineering drawing as it wasn’t a course in my secondary school. I decided to learn during my first summer holiday and I got the hang of it, so I decided to stay in the course. My academic journey went well until I got to my 300-level first semester.
It was a difficult semester for me as we just got to do more advanced engineering and I was confused. I picked myself up in the second semester and got my best result then. From then on it was one beautiful result to another. I finally graduated with a first-class degree. During my university days I also participated in leadership positions. I was elected as the vice president in my 300 level, and I retained the position until I was finally elected as the president of my department in my 500 level.
Engineering fields often require rigorous mathematics. How comfortable are you with advanced mathematical concepts?
Since my secondary school days, I have always loved mathematics and further mathematics. I represented my secondary school in various mathematics competitions such as Cowbellpedia, Olympiad, and regional mathematics competitions. When I got into the university it became easier to adapt to more advanced mathematical concepts.
How do you think your background contributes to your problem-solving and analytical thinking skills?
While growing up, I enjoyed watching shows like “Who Wants To Be A Millionaire”, and other adventure reality shows, and I had this Encarta kids app where I learnt a lot about history and life as a whole. All this helped me improve on my problem solving and analytical thinking skills. I started seeing problems as solutions in disguise. I had a knack for solving problems, so I started various businesses even while in secondary school. In the university, one of them was nominated for a “Brand of the Year” award.
What were your biggest challenges on campus and how did you deal with them?
My biggest challenge in school was based on how to combine my academics, leadership and business together and other aspects of my life. It was pretty difficult at first but with the grace of God I was able to learn how to multitask and organise my life properly.
How different do you think your experience would have been if you attended a public university?
My life would have been very different if I attended a public university and even any other private university. Covenant University inculcated in me the values that forever changed my life and I now adhere to. The university’s values include spirituality, integrity, possibility mentality, capacity building, responsibility, diligence and sacrifice.
Do you have any role models you look up to in the field of mechanical engineering?
I have a high regard for Elon Musk as he is an innovator and change maker.
Have you been a recipient of any scholarship? Kindly run through the application process?
Throughout my stay in the university, I was a recipient of the Jim Ovia scholarship. This scholarship was formed by Jim Ovia and Africa-America Institute. I applied for the scholarship before entering Covenant University. The application process was a bit tedious, but it was very worth it.
Can you discuss any relevant internships or research experiences you had during your academic years?
During my stay in the university, I had three internship experiences. I worked at NPDC/ND Western Warri during my first summer holiday and I learnt a lot about oil and gas processing. During my 300-level summer holiday, I worked at CFAO motors where I learnt a lot about assembly of trucks for sale. I did my six months SIWES internship in France at Ecole Centrale de Nantes.
My team and I participated in research to control vibrations as vehicles move along the road. We did this by making use of a PID controller on an active suspension system. They say exposure is a very vital part of learning so try and apply and partake in internships to grow your network and exposure.
Could you describe your final-year project?
I did the exact project from the internship in France as my final year project.
What are your long-term career goals, and how do you envision your skills and knowledge evolving in the future?
My long-term goal is to become an entrepreneur with the aim of solving problems around me in various industries. I also want to venture into the automobile industry with particular interest in electric vehicles.
