Professionals operating under the aegis of the Nigerian Academy of Engineering have stressed the need for the nation’s governments and relevant stakeholders to adopt pragmatic solutions to the various challenges confronting the country.
The engineers spoke at Prof. Raymond Adisa Bello’s investiture as the 13th president of the Nigerian Academy of Engineering, the 2024 Annual Lecture, Life Achievement Awards for members who are 75 years old, and the induction of 13 new fellows of the academy.
Setting the ball rolling, the former president of Nigerian Academy of Engineering, Engr. Mrs. Joanna Maduka, whose lecture dwelt on ‘’Government-Industry – Academia Collaboration in Nigeria’s Technopreneurship Ecosystem,‘’ said it was high time the country’s enormous challenges in the power, transportation, agriculture, and industrialisation sectors are tackled with pragmatic solutions to achieve the desired outcome.
Maduka said though the government has played a pivotal role in creating an enabling environment for Technopreneurship to thrive in the country, more needed to be done in the areas of, “Providing adequate infrastructure, including reliable power supply, Internet access, technology parks, and innovation hubs and transportation networks.
“The government needs to also develop and strengthen those policies that encourage innovation, such as tax incentives, subsidies and intellectual property protection.”
As it concerns the industry, Maduka said, “The industry academia partnership can also facilitate the development of industry relevant curriculum, ensuring that graduates possess the skill required by the market.
“Universities and research institutions traditionally offer fundamental scientific research, skilled workforce and innovation hubs essential for technopreneurship . They act as incubators for new ideas and technologies that can develop into viable business ventures.”
The outgoing president of the Nigerian Academy of Engineering, Prof. Azikiwe Peter Onwualu, pointed out that though all seems not well with the country, the Academy commended the federal government for the bold decision and steps taken in the last year to reposition the country’s economy.
The vice chancellor of the University of Lagos, Prof Folasade Ogunsola, in her remarks, said the practice of engineering is changing with the development of Artificial intelligence, the internet of things, data analytics, and engineering education will require a major shift through new policies, increased collaboration and interdisciplinary research.
She said collaboration is therefore pivotal for innovations required to drive growth.
Ogunsola lauded the academy for commitment towards development of engineering practice and ensuring cordial relationship with the academia.
