Engr. Dr. Tunde Olatunji, is presently in charge of Professional Development in NSE. He attended University of Alberta in Edmonton and got a Ph.D. Before then, he got B.Eng in Civil Engineering from the University of Benin. He was in Lagos for professional practice, and now, he is in NSE headquarters. He was the secretary of Port Harcourt Branch, Chairman Ikeja branch and recently National Chairman, Nigerian Institution of Civil Engineers. He has been in the service of NSE for quite some time.
Question : On the issue of professional development, what machinery does NSE put in motion to see the improvement in the area professional development that affects its members?
Engr. Tunde Olatunji: There was a time it was done by just publishing chart courses as workshops for the year. Sometimes may not be held, some will be held. But today, when I came on board, I requested for a comprehensive plan from the president, Engr. Kashim Ali (immediate past president). He gave me the authority to implement a continuous education program. Then I introduced a plan for different categories of Engineers.
We have what we call the mandatory continuous professional education, for young engineers who are still in the process of acquiring experience, updating and so on. This program helps address any knowledge gaps they may have from their schooling and brings them up to speed on the latest technologies. We also have the Continuing Professional Education which is for those who are already practicing to keep their knowledge current and remind them of past learnings, while also covering advancements in their fields
We also have the Executive Mandatory Continuing Professional Education which is for the executives who don’t have much time, we also want to update their knowledge, Additionally, we have the international courses, for those who like to have international certificates that is recognized worldwide. These are the four categories which we have. We just got approval, and we are building up a comprehensive programme, so that the engineer member of NSE will be assured that in whatever level he is, whatever is his interest, the professional Body will assist in making sure that he has professional development opportunities they need..
Question : Let’s digress a little; in the area of capacity building, how much has NSE put in, for Engineers in Nigeria?
Engr. Tunde Olatunji: We are not going to limit ourselves only to theoretical knowledge. We are also going into entrepreneurship education. We are going into management and development. Apart from the core development, because knowledge is power. If you have the knowledge and you have information, then you will build capacity.
As an engineer, you must have information and knowledge for effective direction. You must know why the engineers must know why. So the “why” is what we are concentrating on. That is what education is all about. At a level, at a higher level, we emphasize on the importance of ‘why’. It is when you know why, that you can say “how”? As engineer, if you know the why, you know we have been trained in the area of ‘how’. This creates a dynamic exchange: you can guide them with the ‘why,’ learn from their expertise in the ‘how,’ and foster mutual learning.
That is the way capacity is built all over the world. You interact; through interaction between the engineers, technologists, technicians, and craftsmen. We are going to encourage that. I have just heard now that one of the best ways the Chinese developed their technology was to train large number of technicians. I think its good information.
This is my advice for the younger ones: seek knowledge, seek information, that is the power, you don’t need the money. Money will finish, but the knowledge and understanding you have will stay with you forever.- Tunde Olatunji
Question : Ok sir, our last question is: what advice do you have for the young engineers that are coming up, the ones in school?
Engr. Tunde Olatunji: They should have more interest in seeking information. I found out that most young engineers want to grow overnight; but this is not realistic anywhere in the world. Even in countries with advanced technology, success takes time and effort. We have to learn to grow and focus on continuous learning.
They should take time; especially those who are complaining that they have no job, seize that opportunity to develop yourself, gather information, gain exposure, interact with the senior ones. Even when they are not ready to pay. Just say let me just come to your office and work with you and learn.
I have taught so many young ones like that; I will say “well, if you don’t mind coming to my office, then welcome to my office. I can provide transportation if you don’t have. But if I give you an assignment and you do it, and it brings money, you will earn an allowance”. They (young engineers) should get informed and interact with these senior engineers, especially if they know any particular engineer who has a lot of project and who is busy. They shouldn’t just go and say “give me money, I want to work for you.” You could say, “let me be a part of your business (project); let me just come, sit down and learn”. so with that, I think they can overcome.
Some of them have gotten the best jobs right from my office, some I don’t even see or know where they are again. This is my advice for the younger ones: seek knowledge, seek information, that is the power, you don’t need the money. Money will finish, but the knowledge and understanding you have will stay with you forever.
Question : Thank you very much sir.