In commemoration of World Engineering Day (WED), the Nigerian Society of Engineers (NSE) has launched a specialised skills training for young engineers.
Under the arrangement, NSE will retrain 60,000 young engineers to provide solutions to modern engineering needs.
NSE president, Engr. Margaret Aina Oguntala, disclosed this during the unveiling of the training manual at the World Engineering Day 2024 with the theme “Engineering Solutions for a Sustainable World” in Abuja.
She said the NSE has been equipping Nigerian engineers professionally to live up to the calling of the profession in delivering critical infrastructure for the good of the society and advancement of the nation.
The president said engineering innovations have enhanced mass communication and improved the well-being of humanity.
“Today, we are proud to say that the Nigerian Society of Engineers has become the veritable platform for true professional development of engineers and, by implication, the vehicle for driving the technological advancement of our country.
“In the face of the current global economic, social and humanitarian crises, the world is yet beckoning engineers to rise to the occasion and provide solutions for better and sustainable living,” she said.
Mrs Oguntala said the World Engineering Day platform has offered a unique opportunity to provide inspiration and hope for younger persons, whether they are already in the profession or aspiring to become engineers.
“Therefore, not only do we have students from secondary schools who are here to exhibit their innovations, we are also launching our Specialised Skills Training for Young Engineers”.
She explained that the NSE will be running the programme in partnership with the Nigerian Content Development and Management Board (NCDMD).
Prof Abubakar Sambo in his presentation on the topic: “Bridging the electricity access gaps for sustainable development ” said the African continent had the poorest access to electricity with below 60 percent access.
He said countries such as Ghana, Cote d’Ivoire, Cameron and The Gambia had higher access to electricity than Nigeria.
He therefore advocated for the use of uranium, wind and coal to bridge the gaps in the country.
Also, the MD/CEO Automation and Engineering Academy Ltd, Dr Ikotun Adewale, said Nigeria has a compressed natural gas deposit that could last up to 170 years but has not been taped.
Adewale was speaking on the topic “Utilisation of CNG as an alternative fuel to reduce energy cost in both automobile, homes and industries.”