The International University of East Africa (IUEA) will effective next academic year start a new course in mechatronics and robotics.
Mechatronics is term which combines words “mechanics” and “electronics” as a multidisciplinary field that combines mechanical, electrical, computer, and robotics engineering to create smarter and simpler systems.
Mechatronics engineers design computer-controlled systems that integrate mechanical, electrical, and computer control aspects.
The goal is to create a streamlined system that connects the different stages of design and production.
According to IUEA vice chancellor, Prof Emeka Akaezuwa the university will also onboard Bachelor of Science in Mining Engineering, and Bachelor of Science in Climate Smart Agriculture as new programs crafted to meet evolving industry demands and support sustainable development in the region and continent at large.
“We consider these new programs to be groundbreaking because they talk to the real demands of the market today. They talk to the real demands in skills because climate smart agriculture requires a whole set of different skills from traditional agriculture to produce enough food for people and for export,” Prof.Emeka said.
“Africa has a lot of minerals but we need new ways to be able to sustainably mine them but also add value to them. We have also had of the fourth industrial revolution with AI and our program in Mechatronics and Robotics will the skills the people need to take advantage of the new processes in everything they do.”
The IUEA vice chancellor said the new programs are important because they speak to the economic growth and development of the country and the continent at large and intellectual ability and capability of the citizens.
“We are probably the first university to make AI a common core course across the board. It doesn’t matter what you are studying, you must know some AI. You don’t have to be an expert in AI, or do its programming but need to know what it is and its application in your area of specialization, whether in marketing, accounting or law,” he said.
