Institute Tasks Engineers On Greater Role In Nigeria’s Devt

The Nigerian Institute of Electrical and Electronic Engineers (NIEEE) has elevated 28 engineers to its College of Fellows, urging them to contribute more to Nigeria’s technological advancement and economic development.

The President of NIEEE, Engr. Felix Adegboye, gave the charge at the institute’s 22nd Fellowship Conferment Ceremony, saying the recognition carried greater responsibility to advance the engineering profession and address the country’s development challenges.

Adegboye said electrical and electronic engineers had important roles to play in improving electricity supply, expanding renewable energy, strengthening digital infrastructure and advancing telecommunications.

He said the institute remained committed to promoting grid resilience, upholding professional standards and strengthening collaboration with regulatory authorities, including the Council for the Regulation of Engineering in Nigeria (COREN).

According to him, the institute would also continue to promote capacity building and mentorship to bridge the gap between academic training and industry practice.

“Your elevation into the College of Fellows is a testament to years of diligence, intellectual rigour and leadership. However, with this higher honour comes greater responsibility,” he said.

He urged the new fellows to contribute to policy formulation, research and development, and the training of younger engineers.

Those conferred with the fellowship include Wasiu Bamidele Sakariyau, John Damboyi Pwajok, Aliyu Bawan-Allah Garba, Henry Eni Ukoh, Taiwo Babatunde Ajakaye, Emeka Okwuosa, Azuka Jude Ofogu, John Paul Izuchukwu Ilo, Nnamdi Chiedozie Onyiaji, Agwu Solomon Obinna, Michael Ekuta Okwori, Edith Awele Biakpara, Okwuchukwu David Asiegbu and Amos Olusegun Ologunleko.

Others are Columbus Atueyi, Jonathan Roland Amakiri, Muritadoh Olayiwola Sulyman, Folorunso Emmanuel Adedayo, Noble Njoku, Onaboala Kuro Dambo, Adeshina Olugbenga Ayotunde, Inegbedion Edward Egbele, Olukunmi Francis Adeogun, Oge Queen Opara, Ndubuisi Luke Nzeako, Kaltumi Giwa, Okechukwu Benneth Nwatu and Ayodeji Olugbenga Ayandibu.

Earlier, the Chairman of the Board of Fellows and Provost of the NIEEE College of Fellows, Engr. Isaac Adekanye, said attaining fellowship required professionals to demonstrate a commitment to societal development beyond their individual achievements.

Adekanye said the College of Fellows was actively involved in knowledge sharing and technological development, noting that its recent assembly deliberated on the theme, “Engineering the Future in the Age of Artificial Intelligence.”

He said the discussions examined the implications of artificial intelligence from academic and industrial perspectives and resulted in the release of a communiqué.

Adekanye urged the new fellows to deploy their expertise towards addressing Nigeria’s engineering challenges, adding that the growing application of digital technology across sectors required engineers to adapt to emerging developments.

In his lecture titled, “Energy Transition in a Digital Era: The Nexus, Challenges and Opportunities,” the guest speaker, Engr. Dr Emeka Okwuosa, said Nigeria must expand reliable electricity access while embracing digital technologies to achieve sustainable economic development.

Okwuosa said the energy transition and digital revolution were increasingly interconnected, with artificial intelligence, electric vehicles, cloud computing and data centres expected to drive electricity demand.

He noted that digital inclusion would remain limited without reliable electricity, particularly in communities where access to power was inadequate.

According to him, Nigeria’s energy transition must address electricity access, affordability, reliability, industrialisation and job creation rather than focus solely on reducing emissions.

He identified renewable energy, gas-to-power, mini-grids, battery storage, smart meters, electric vehicle charging infrastructure and artificial intelligence-driven energy management as areas offering investment opportunities.

Okwuosa also called for increased private-sector investment, predictable regulation and improved financing mechanisms to support electricity access and infrastructure development.

He warned that the growing digitalisation of energy infrastructure made cybersecurity a critical concern for industry operators and national security.

The guest speaker urged Nigeria to develop the skills and capacity required to design, operate and export energy-transition technologies rather than depend on imported solutions.