In order to make them relevant in the contemporary society, engineers in Nigeria have been urged to embark on strategic partnership and innovative collaboration with politicians to influence positive changes in the society.
Founding Partner, Execution Edge Limited, Dr. Okechukwu John Mbonu gave the charge at the Nigerian Institution of Mechanical Engineers (NIMECHE), Lagos Chapter, end of the year lecture and awards ceremony held in Victoria Island, Lagos.
Mbonu who spoke on the topic: “Gas to power common sense versus politics”, bemoaned engineers for not playing their roles in the power sector which have led to waste of resources.
Mbonu stressed the need for engineers to contribute to national development by advising government on the implications of making political decisions that does not make sense, especially as it concerns engineering infrastructure.
He also called for the strengthening of engineering education in order to adequately equip engineers for economic development and prosperity.
“If you don’t give good solid foundation engineering education to engineers as a nation, we won’t be able to compete globally.
It cut across all other professions and we need to really do something about overhauling education in Nigeria”, he said.
In his address, the National Chairman of NIMECHE, Ugochukwu Nzurumike represented by the General Secretary, Akintayo Akintola, urged engineers to render quality service to the society.
He commended the Lagos State chapter for distinguishing itself in terms of innovative ideas.
On her part, the State Chairman of the institution, Mrs. Funmi Akingbagbohun, an engineer, pledged the commitment of the chapter to all its statutory programmes and improvement in efforts to reach out to all its stakeholders across the country.
In recognition of their contributions to the institution, awards were also given to the guest lecturer; Dr. Okechukwu Mbonu, representative of Toyota Nigeria Limited; Ravinder Kumar Sharma, elders of the professions, supporters and distinguished Fellows of the Institution.
Source: The Guardian
