Master of Engineering student looks to bring learnings home

Oshogwe Akpoghomeh, a second-year Master of Engineering (MEng) student, says he hopes he can bring successes in sustainable energy to his home country, Nigeria, because of his learnings at the University of Calgary and in Canada. 

After completing his undergraduate degree in gas engineering in Nigeria, Akpoghomeh worked as a process engineer for a cement company there, which he says exposed him to the industry’s heavy reliance on fossil fuels. This motivated him to pursue a path focused on cleaner energy solutions at a time when renewable energy was just beginning to emerge in the country. 

Recognizing that sustainability was not always a priority in the sector, he felt compelled to deepen his knowledge and help fill that gap. 

“If I want to do my master’s, I should do it in renewables to see how I can make these processes efficient by bringing new energy sources to the country,” says Akpoghomeh, who now studies chemical and petroleum engineering at the Schulich School of Engineering. 

Looking ahead 

Akpoghomeh reflects on the exposure he has gained to advance technologies both inside and outside the classroom. His time in the MEng program, he notes, has introduced him to tools and systems far beyond what he encountered back home. 

“I would like to get more industrial experience here,” he says, pointing out that many of the technologies used in Canada are, “way ahead of what we have in Nigeria.”   

He plans to work in Canada for a few years after his graduation in the spring to gain more “hands-on” industry experience, and hopes that will ultimately allow him to bring valuable knowledge back home to improve current industry practices. 

“Everyone had a way of cutting corners (to meet sustainability metrics) ... and that’s one thing I would like to try and change — see how I can improve processes back home,” he says. 

Finding his path at the Schulich School of Engineering 

Akpoghomeh says he values the MEng program’s learning approach, especially the way courses challenge students to collaborate and connect theory to real-world industry practices.  

“That’s what the master’s program is about. They encourage you to figure things out.” he says.  

Many of Akpoghomeh’s courses take a project-based approach, which he believes has strengthened his analytical thinking and problem-solving skills. In one project, he conducted independent research in natural gas processing and worked with industry for guidance, an experience he found extremely valuable.   

“You’re going to learn new things and venture into spaces you think you won’t be in,” Akpoghomeh says, adding that he appreciates the opportunity to, “work with industry professionals to ensure projects make sense and perfect them.” 

Growing beyond the classroom 

Outside the classroom, Akpoghomeh says his time at UCalgary has also helped him discover new aspects of himself.  

Through his involvement in Schulich's Graduate Students’ Council, on which he serves as vice-president of design, he has found opportunities to explore his creative side and engage more deeply with the campus community.  

Akpoghomeh also embraces extracurricular activities, such as ice skating, that were not available to him in Nigeria.  He even took a camping trip in the brisk Canadian outdoors. He sees these experiences not only as a way to engage with the larger community, but also as an important part of his personal growth.  

“It was cold, but I’ll definitely do it again,” he says.