The Deputy Governor of Central Bank of Nigeria, Mr. Adebisi Shonubi has expressed need to close the gap between industry and academics and encouraged innovative engineering ventures. He identified Agriculture as a viable area that engineers can exploit. Isqil Najim writes.
He said this during a courtesy visit by the national executive members of the Nigerian Institution of Mechanical Engineers to his office in Abuja. Adebisi, who hold both Bachelor and masters degree in mechanical engineering, said Nigeria needs the engineers to achieve its development agenda. For instance in Agricultural sector where there has been marked growth, much still need to be done by way of technological applications. He said engineers can assist through innovative agricultural equipment fabrication, manufacturing and industrialization. He highlighted participation of young engineers as vital to the achievement of the goal. He urged the body of engineers to guide the younger ones.
During the meeting, Adebisi used the opportunity to advise young engineers to look inward in their quest for professional fulfilment. He said they should come with innovation of their own to help solve Nigeria's challenges. He pledged that the country is willing to assist those with sound innovation to realize their dream. He said that engineers must be agriculturally biased as there are many opportunities in the sector waiting to be tapped.
Adebisi however, submitted that there is need to ensure that young people are putting their efforts into right application, and directing their innovation towards ideas that are commercially viable. He added that there are organizations willing to support viable engineering ventures. Young people should be introduced to management, and other business tools as part of the training to aid their transition to become entrepreneurs.
He agreed with the submissions of NIMechE team led by Engr Funmilade Akingbagbohun, on areas of capacity development for both young and established engineers. During the meeting, possible areas of collaborations were highlighted with resolve to work together to accomplish them.
Earlier in her address, the National Chairman, Engr Funmilade Akingbagbohun appreciated Mr. Adebisi Shonubi for being a role model for mechanical engineers. She said, engineering, by its very nature prepares graduates for diverse opportunities they may encounter in life. "This is one unique aspect that stands us out among others," She said.
She said that Nigeria currently faces many challenges and observed that our best solution has been to pump more money and import foreign professionals. She acknowledged that this has partially succeeded but noted that we have not been able to stem the tide of excessive importation of foreign goods and services. as a result of this, our nation is experiencing capital flights.
While commended many incentives initiated by the government and other economic interventions, she called on the Bank to use it influence in shaping national policies to pay more attention to engineering enterprises most of which are capital intensive. She said these viable engineering ventures should be supported to succeed.
She used the opportunity to inform Adebisi of the Mechanical Engineering Activities and requested that, as a mechanical engineer, the institution is more than happy to see him identify with the mechanical engineers.
The meeting comprises of the National Chairman, Engr Funmilade Akingbagbohun, Deputy National Chairman, Engr Alhassan Abdul Mohammad, Executive Secretary, Engr Akpan Udeme, Engr. A.S.Y. Kutigi, Engr Ibrahim Balogun.
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