Engineers Must Lead Nigeria’s Development, Oyo-Ita Declares

The former head of the Civil 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 9th Rev. Engr. Etteh I. Etteh Distinguished Annual Lecture, Oyo-Ita emphasized the pivotal role engineers play in modernising economies, solving local challenges, and positioning Nigeria for global competitiveness.

Delivering her lecture, “The Engineer in 21st Century Nigeria: A Delicate Balance of Economic Reality in Harnessing Professional Skills for Innovation and Development,” Oyo-Ita underscored the transformative potential of engineering in 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 said.

Oyo-Ita stressed the importance of fostering indigenous innovation to reduce reliance on imported technologies, citing the development of solar energy solutions and localized 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 government policies. This requires developing cost-effective, locally sourced technologies that address Nigeria’s realities,” she added.

Oyo-Ita called for reforms in Nigeria’s educational system to prepare future engineers for practical challenges.

She recommended prioritizing Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics (STEM) education from an early age, alongside hands-on training and entrepreneurship programmes in tertiary institutions.

“To produce high-caliber 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.

In her concluding remarks, Oyo-Ita challenged Nigerian engineers to assume leadership roles as visionaries and change agents.

“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, Kunle Ajayi, lauded her remarks, highlighting ongoing efforts by the association to champion capacity-building programmes and policy advocacy for the profession.

Ajayi who was represented by Valerie Aderagba also called on young engineers to embrace leadership opportunities that can 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. Engr. Etteh, a trailblazer in civil engineering.

Dr. Ezugwu lauded Engr. Etteh’s contributions to infrastructure development and sustainability, as well as his mentorship of engineers through Etteh Aro & Partners, a leading Indigenous consulting firm.

The event coincided with Rev. Engr. Etteh’s 89th birthday, with Dr. Ezugwu leading attendees in celebrating the honoree. “Happy birthday, sir,” he said, applauding Engr. Etteh’s enduring impact.

This year’s lecture, “The Engineer in 21st Century Nigeria: A Delicate Balance of Economic Reality in Harnessing Professional Skills for Innovation and Development,” addressed the challenges facing the engineering profession amid rapid technological advancements and economic complexities.

Dr. Ezugwu emphasized the essential role of engineers as drivers of innovation and economic growth.

“As we navigate the challenges of the 21st century, it is imperative to balance economic realities with leveraging our skills for innovation and development,” he said.

He called for collective efforts from all stakeholders to position Nigeria as a hub for technological innovation.

The event was chaired by the president of the Nigerian Society of Engineers (NSE), Engr. Margaret Oguntola. Other notable attendees included the president of COREN, Prof Sadiq Abubakar, Engr Sen Femi Kila, among others.