NIEEE Urges New Fellows To Lead Power, Tech Reforms

Nigerian Institute of Electrical and Electronic Engineers (NIEEE) has conferred its prestigious Fellowship title on a new class of distinguished engineers, urging them to play leading roles in addressing Nigeria’s critical energy and technology challenges.

At the 18th Fellowship Conferment Ceremony held in Abuja, NIEEE president, Engr. Felix O. Olu, described the Fellowship as the highest professional recognition by the Institute and a call to national service.

“This ceremony is not just a celebration of excellence but a charge to commit to deeper service. As Fellows, you are now regarded as elders of the Institute and must take leading roles in mentorship, advocacy, research, and continuous professional development,” he said.

He urged the new Fellows to apply their expertise across the Institute’s six core practice areas: Power and Clean Energy; ICT; Instrumentation and Control; Avionics and Space; Electronics and Computing; and Embedded/Emerging Technologies.

Olu stressed the urgency of their contributions in solving Nigeria’s persistent electricity and infrastructure problems.

“It is unacceptable for the country to grapple with these challenges while your wealth of experience remains untapped. Nigeria and humanity now see you differently—it is forbidden to fail them,” he added.

He also called on the conferees to actively support the forthcoming 21st International Conference and Exhibition on Power and Telecommunications (ICEPT), scheduled for October 13–17, 2025, in Osogbo, Osun State.

Chairman, NIEEE Board of Fellows and Provost of the College of Fellows, Engr. Isaac Adekanye, congratulated the new inductees and reaffirmed the Institute’s commitment to professionalism and ethical engineering practice.

He noted that NIEEE is well-positioned to support the implementation of the 2023 Electricity Act through expert input on power system design, operation, and maintenance nationwide.

“We are evolving with the nation. The NIEEE has a pool of competent professionals ready to collaborate with stakeholders to improve service delivery. The CIEEEN, in partnership with NIEEE, is committed to regulating the profession and ending quackery,” Adekanye said.

Delivering the keynote lecture, national commissioner/CEO of the Nigeria Data Protection Commission (NDPC), Dr. Vincent O. Olatunji, spoke on “The Right to Data Privacy in the Age of AI and Emerging Technologies.”

He emphasised the ethical implications of rapid digital advancement, recalling how early computing technology was exploited during the Nazi regime and underlining the importance of safeguarding data privacy in today’s AI-driven world.

“AI and emerging technologies are here to stay. The question is—where does it stay, with whom, and to what end?” Olatunji asked, adding that engineers must take responsibility for ensuring ethical and human-centric use of technology.

He highlighted the dual obligations of professionals—not only to avoid violating privacy but also to proactively implement robust data protection measures.

“Data must be processed lawfully, fairly, and transparently. As engineers, you must design systems with built-in privacy safeguards, guided by Nigeria’s Data Protection Act and international best practices,” he said.

In a metaphorical turn, Olatunji compared the concept of data privacy to the story of Adam and Eve in the Garden of Eden, where the need for dignity and protection became evident. “God was the first to respect data privacy,” he quipped, drawing laughter and applause from the audience.

He urged the Fellows to uphold the principles of transparency, accountability, and inclusivity in their practice, aligning with Nigeria’s National AI Strategy and global standards.

The event was attended by past presidents of NIEEE, members of the Board of Trustees, Governing Council, National Executive Committee, chapter leaders, industry stakeholders, families of the honorees, and the media.

The NIEEE Fellowship is awarded to members who have made significant contributions to the advancement of electrical and electronic engineering in Nigeria and beyond.