Group Prioritises Training To Tackle Power Challenges

Chairman, Nigerian Institute of Electrical and Electronic Engineers (NIEEE), Abuja Chapter, Ohida Maiyaki, has unveiled a comprehensive strategy aimed at equipping young engineers to address Nigeria’s persistent power challenges.

Maiyaki disclosed this in Abuja on Saturday during his inauguration as the 10th Chairman of the NIEEE Abuja Chapter.

The inauguration ceremony has the theme: “The Role of Electrical Engineers in Building a Vibrant Economy.”

He said his administration would prioritise capacity development, noting that the complexity of Nigeria’s electricity sector required a new generation of well-trained and industry-ready professionals.

According to him, a detailed training programme has been developed to bridge existing knowledge gaps and align engineering competencies with real-world demands in the power sector.

“These capacity-building initiatives will be aligned with industry needs and tailored toward addressing the socio-economic challenges facing the nation, particularly in the power sector.

“Planned training areas include solar photovoltaic (PV) design and installation, MATLAB/Simulink applications from beginner to advanced levels, and electrical services design using AutoCAD.

“Others are low- and medium-voltage power practice, earthing and lightning protection systems, and energy audit, among others,” he said.

Maiyaki said the chapter would also promote continuous learning through monthly technical paper presentations and quarterly webinars.

He added that efforts were underway to secure free and subsidised training opportunities, particularly for younger engineers, while enabling experienced professionals to remain updated on emerging industry trends.

The chairman reiterated his commitment to repositioning the Abuja Chapter under his “Make Abuja Chapter Great Again” vision, focusing on increased participation, technical contributions and professional excellence.

Recognising the link between skills and employment, Maiyaki disclosed that the chapter would also facilitate job placement opportunities for qualified members to empower engineers economically and strengthen their contributions to national development.

Maiyaki further said the chapter had commenced engagements with institutions such as Nile University and Baze University to bridge the gap between academia and industry through mentorship, industrial training and collaborative research.

He added that the initiatives would introduce students to emerging technologies, engage National Youth Service Corps members and organise career day visits to secondary schools to stimulate interest in engineering careers.

The chairman thanked members, family and friends for the opportunity to serve and appreciated the Abuja Chapter for its support.

In a keynote address, the Guest Speaker, Dayo Olugboye, Chief Executive Officer of Daylad Consult Ltd., underscored the critical role of electricity in economic growth and national development, calling for renewed investment in the power sector.

Olugboye said no nation could achieve meaningful development without reliable electricity, describing power supply as the backbone of industrialisation, innovation and improved quality of life.

“A vibrant economy provides opportunities for present and future generations, creates jobs, ensures stable growth, encourages investment and supports production.

“However, Nigeria’s overreliance on oil and weak infrastructure have limited sustainable progress,” he said.

According to him, electrical engineers are strategically positioned to bridge infrastructure gaps through expertise in power systems, telecommunications and control technologies.

He also called for policies that would promote local production, reduce reliance on imports and create an enabling environment for investors.

In his remarks, the 22nd president of NIEEE, Felix Adegboye, congratulated Maiyaki on his emergence as the 10th Chairman of the Abuja Chapter.

Adegboye said leadership within professional bodies required sacrifice, vision and resilience, adding that Maiyaki’s track record positioned him to elevate the chapter’s relevance and impact.

“As we look to the future, we must recognise that the engineering profession is central to national transformation; therefore, members must embrace service, innovation and inspiration in the discharge of their duties,” he said.

Earlier, the outgoing Chairman, Mr Ayila Cletus, said his administration focused on strengthening the chapter’s activities and improving members’ participation, urging the new leadership to consolidate on the achievements recorded.

Cletus described leadership as both a privilege and a responsibility, stressing the need for vision, dedication and service.

He urged members of the Abuja Chapter to support the new leadership, noting that unity, shared vision and collective effort were essential to achieving future milestones.