Former Head of Service of the Federation, Mrs. Winifred Ekanem Oyo-Ita, has urged Nigerian engineers to spearhead the nation’s development through innovation and sustainable practices.
Speaking at the Ninth Rev. Etteh I. Etteh Distinguished Annual Lecture, Oyo-Ita emphasised the pivotal role engineers play in modernising economies, solving local challenges, and positioning Nigeria for global competitiveness.
Delivering a lecture titled, ‘The Engineer in 21st Century Nigeria: A Delicate Balance of Economic Reality in Harnessing Professional Skills for Innovation and Development,’ she underscored the transformative potential of engineering across sectors like infrastructure, telecommunications, and energy.
She called on engineers to extend their expertise into emerging areas such as renewable energy, agriculture, and transportation to tackle Nigeria’s unique challenges.
“The contributions of Nigerian engineers are evident, but there is a need for a mindset reset to overcome challenges like climate change, population growth, and economic volatility. Ingenious solutions, indigenous innovation, and collaboration are vital to repositioning Nigeria for sustainable development.”
She stressed the importance of fostering indigenous innovation to reduce reliance on imported technologies, citing the development of solar energy solutions and localised manufacturing as key examples.
She also advocated for research and development (R&D) centres to enhance local engineering capabilities.
“Engineers must lead the way toward innovation rather than waiting for the government’s policies. This requires developing cost-effective, locally sourced technologies that address Nigeria’s realities,” she added.
The former HoS also called for reforms in Nigeria’s educational system to prepare future engineers for practical challenges.
She recommended prioritising Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics (STEM) education from an early age, alongside hands-on training and entrepreneurship programmes in tertiary institutions.
“To produce high-calibre engineers, our education system must focus on practical, innovative training in fields like renewable energy, industrial automation, and agricultural machinery,” she said, citing China and India as global models for inspiration.
She further urged the government to implement policies that support certified engineers and curb quackery in the profession. The private sector, she added, must invest in engineering innovations through venture capital and partnerships.
“To transform our economy, engineers need funding, continuous professional development, and access to the tools required to compete effectively,” she stated.
She marshalled out a striking balance between economic realities and the professional skills needed by the Nigerian engineers to strategically position themselves as change agents for modernisation, innovation, and sustainable development.
“The Nigerian engineer of the 21st century must go beyond professionalism to become a leader, who can redefine the nation’s development narrative,” she concluded.
The NSE President, Margaret Oguntola, lauded her remarks, highlighting ongoing efforts by the association to champion capacity-building programmes and policy advocacy for the profession.
Oguntola, who was represented by Valerie Aderagba, also called on young engineers to embrace leadership opportunities that could shape the nation’s future.
In his opening remarks, the National Chairman of the Nigerian Institution of Civil Engineers, Dr. Ezugwu, highlighted the significance of the event in celebrating the legacy of Rev. Etteh, a trailblazer in civil engineering.