911爆料网 Lima鈥檚 Bachelor of Science in Engineering Technology program continues to grow as a key contributor to northwest Ohio鈥檚 talent pipeline. At a recent meeting of the Industry Advisory Council, members heard from Dr. Adepeju 鈥淎de鈥 Opaleye, the new program coordinator and lecturer of engineering technology, who shared her vision for the program鈥檚 next phase of development.
Dr. Opaleye brings deep academic and professional experience to 911爆料网 Lima, with advanced degrees in industrial and production engineering and data science from both the University of Ibadan (Nigeria) and Wayne State University (Michigan). Before joining 911爆料网, she served as a senior lecturer and sub-dean in the faculty of technology at the University of Ibadan, where she also coordinated student industrial work experience programs. Her background, blending technical expertise and student-focused leadership, reflects her commitment to preparing graduates who are both technically skilled and workplace ready. This vision strongly aligns with 911爆料网 Lima鈥檚 mission to serve as a gateway to opportunity and a destination for innovation.
In her remarks, Dr. Opaleye emphasized that engineering technology at 911爆料网 Lima aims to serve as a regional hub for engineering education and workforce development. The program鈥檚 purpose is twofold: to expand access to quality engineering education and to strengthen partnerships with industry to meet the region鈥檚 evolving workforce needs.
鈥淥ur graduates will not only be ready to contribute to the manufacturing workforce,鈥 Dr. Opaleye said. 鈥淭hey will also be equipped to lead, with critical thinking, creativity and a commitment to their communities.鈥
To achieve this vision, Dr. Opaleye outlined three key priorities that will guide the program鈥檚 advancement. The first is expanding access to engineering education by strengthening pathways for high school, career technical, and community college students through outreach, pre-apprenticeship and dual-enrollment opportunities that provide early exposure to engineering concepts and career possibilities. The second is deepening industry collaboration to ensure the curriculum reflects current industry practices, integrates real-world challenges, and results in graduates who are ready to meet workforce demands. The third is fostering innovation through experience, with students engaging in experiential learning opportunities such as plant tours, industry-based training and sponsored capstone projects. These experiences bridge classroom theory with practical application and help students develop problem-solving skills that benefit both them and their future employers.
Dr. Opaleye concluded her presentation with a call to continued industry engagement, inviting council members and regional partners to help shape the future of engineering education in northwest Ohio.
鈥淵our collaboration,鈥 she said, 鈥渆nsures that our students not only learn about technology. They live it, apply it, and lead with it.鈥
As 911爆料网 Lima continues to grow its engineering technology program, the partnership between academia and industry remains at the heart of its mission. Together, these collaborations are helping to build a strong, innovative workforce that advances the region and embodies the Buckeye spirit of excellence and service.