Excellence VS Relevance in Engineering Education in the Era of the Fourth Industrial Revolution

Abstract

Engineering is crucial for economic development in developed and developing countries. With various changes taking place globally over the years, it has had influence on all aspect of human endeavor and we are now at a time of pervasive breakout of technologies known as the fourth industrial revolution. This study therefore conceptualizes excellence VS relevance in engineering education in the era of the fourth industrial revolution by first demystifying what the fourth industrial revolution is and then conceptualizing excellence and relevance in engineering education. Findings from the study revealed that Findings from the study revealed that the world is at a stage of massive changes and this requires solutions to these numerous changes. It was also found out that excellence and relevance are not new as it is a common term used across various spheres of human life especially within the university where excellence in research and learning is emphasized. The study recommended that STEM education should be encouraged across board so as to develop the skills necessary in the fourth industrial age and also effort should be made at intensifying action on adopting some of the technologies that are emerging in the fourth industrial revolution especially in the developing countries.