The Department of Mechanical Engineering at the African University of Science and Technology (AUST), Abuja, on Thursday, 5 November 2026, held its Final Year Research and Design Project External Defence at the AUSTinspire Left Wing, School of Engineering Building of the African University of Science and Technology (AUST), Abuja.

One of the projects presented was titled “Analysis of Wind Speed Data for the Design of a Vertical-Axis Wind Turbine” by Akpala Uchechukwu Anderson (MEC/22D/10002), under the supervision of Engr. Dr Michael Chukaemeka Amonye and Dr David O. Afolayan.

The session was opened by the Head of the Department, Dr David O. Afolayan, who welcomed participants and introduced the external examiner, Dr Adekunle A. Adeleke, former Head of Mechanical Engineering at Nile University.

During his presentation, Anderson discussed the analysis of wind speed data and its application to the design of a vertical-axis wind turbine, particularly the proposed H-rotor configuration. The study recorded average wind speeds ranging from 1.65 to 1.96 metres per second. He also highlighted his use of Python tools, including Pandas and NumPy, in organising and analysing the research data.

The external examiner commended the research process while offering recommendations to strengthen the engineering analysis, design considerations and overall presentation of the thesis. He also emphasised the importance of aligning the research objectives, findings and conclusions, as well as ensuring that the final thesis meets the University’s academic requirements.

The session provided an opportunity for technical evaluation, knowledge sharing and constructive academic engagement, reinforcing AUST’s commitment to research excellence and practical engineering solutions.

Among those present were Prof. Adebayo Badmus, Faculty Member; Engr. Dr Michael Chukwuemeka Amonye, Supervisor and SIWES Coordinator; Dr Anthony Anyakora, Head of Consultancy Services; Engr. Jummai Mshelia Victor, Lecturer; Dr Benjamin Attah, Faculty Member, Department of Mechanical Engineering; and Ms Iweha Blessing of the Media Services and Public Relations Unit.