Stakeholders in the built sector and engineering industry have called on young graduates to embrace artificial intelligence (AI) as a transformative tool for the nation’s engineering and entrepreneurial landscape.
Speaking at an event organised by the Nigeria Society of Engineers (NSE) in collaboration with the Faculty of Engineering, University of Lagos, the NSE Lagos Branch chairman, Engr. Olukorede Kesha urged the 507 inductees to channel their knowledge and skills in AI toward sectors such as security, engineering, and infrastructure development.
She said: ‘You are either jumping on the train or being left behind. The world is not waiting, and Nigeria cannot afford to lag.’ She encouraged the graduates to adopt a forward-thinking mindset, leveraging technology to drive progress and create solutions for the nation’s challenges.
Earlier, keynote speaker, managing director of Kresta Laurel Ltd, Dideolu Falobi highlighted the pivotal role of AI in engineering entrepreneurship and nation-building.
He described AI as a revolutionary force that equips machines to function like humans, making it indispensable for future innovations in construction, road management, and other engineering fields.
Falobi stressed that education is incomplete without an understanding of AI. “AI basics must be integrated into any educational pursuit. It’s not just about knowing; it’s about deploying AI effectively across diverse sectors to solve problems and drive development,” he explained.
Addressing concerns about AI-induced job losses, Falobi dismissed such fears, arguing that AI will create new opportunities rather than eliminate jobs. “Every new revolution brings innovation and opens new doors. The same will happen with AI, as it comes with opportunities we cannot yet fully imagine,” he noted, citing examples from the ICT and social media sectors.
He further advised graduates to acquire essential skills and embrace continuous learning to remain relevant in the evolving job market. ‘AI will bring development and solutions to challenges like infrastructure and resource management. Graduates must prepare to tap into these prospects,’ Falobi added.
Representing the president of NSE, Margaret Oguntala, former Lagos Branch chairman, Ayotunde Ogunnaike, commended the inductees on their achievement. She highlighted the benefits and responsibilities associated with NSE membership, urging them to uphold professional ethics and contribute to national development.
The event underscored the urgency of leveraging AI and technology for sustainable growth in Nigeria. By embracing innovation, young engineers are poised to lead the charge in addressing pressing challenges and shaping the nation’s future.
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