THE Nuta_Bolt team of Anambra State University Nigeria this year participated in the Institution of Mechanical Engineers Formula Student Annual world prestigious event which took place at Silverstone in the United Kingdom in July. The Institution of Mechanical Engineers (IMechE) Formula Student annual race car design competition is the biggest and best of its kind in Europe. Run in partnership with notable engineering firms, it aims to promote careers and excellence in engineering, by challenging university students to design, build, market and compete as a team with a small single seat racing car. The participation of the Nuta_Bolt made it the first team in Nigeria to participate in the competition and only the second African nation ever to participate in 30 years of the event.This is an amazing opportunity for one of Nigeria's universities to join Egypt in representing Africa in this prestigious annual world event. The event equips engineering students in becoming the best engineers. This is a skill that Africa highly needs and it is wonderful that Nigeria is now taking part in the event that provides crucial practical experience and transferable skills for use in a diverse range of industries.The team is working under great supervisors, Engr, Dr. Philip Atanmuo the Dean of Mechanical Engineering Department, Engr. David Egboka Mechanical Engineering Lecturer and Engr. Chukwudi Okeke Automotive Engineer UK and the General Secretary of Oxford Igbo Union / Vice-Chairman of Nigerian Community Oxfordshire UK and the Vice-Secretary of GMUK Young Engineers ' Institution of Mechanical Engineers.Last week, the team took a giant step in preparation for the 2012 formula student event by attending a week of training in the United Kingdom. The team spent a day at the Institution of Mechanical Engineers headquarters in London, joining other formula teams to take part in the 'Learn to Win' lecture.The team then headed to Oxford Brookes University in Oxford UK for training on the design of the best racing car. Oxford Brookes University is internationally known as one of the best in engineering mainly in automotive and motorsport engineering and their Formula Student Team has worn many awards.The aim of the training was to enhance the team's knowledge on the formula student racing car design and also prepare them for the 2012 Formula Student Racing Event. The training was organised by the team's president Mr Chukwudi Okeke who is an Oxford Brookes University educated automotive engineer.The training at Oxford Brookes University was divided into three sections. The first section covered the overall design of winning racing cars which was provided by Professor Geoff Goddard Professor Goddard has designed many wining F1 cars and he is currently a formula student design judge.The second part of the training covered engineering materials for a winning formula student car which was provided by Professor John Durodola. Until recently, Professor Durodola was Head of Department of Mechanical Engineering and Mathematical Sciences and Assistant Dean International. The last section was specifically based on the formula student racing engine design which was provided by Dr. Stephen Samuel. Dr. Samuel is a Senior Lecturer in the Automotive and Racing Engines design and Vehicle emissions control. He has many years' of industrial experience in engine development.
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