It takes more than an Engineering Degree to be an Engineer- Engr Adekunle Makinde

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As the Bells University of Technology inducted a new set of engineering graduates into engineering family, as part of the convocation ceremonies, a former National Chairman of Nigerian Institute of Electrical Electronics Engineering, Engr Adekunle Makinde, a Fellow of Nigerian Society of Engineers and National Manager at Globacom has cautioned young and budding Engineers that they need more than Engineering certificate to become accomplished Engineer. Isqil Najim reports.

Engr Adekunle Makinde made this statement as part of a keynote address, titled “ENGINEERS AS CHANGE AGENTS IN A CHANGING WORLD’ he delivered at the Graduate Members Induction Ceremony jointly organised by the Nigerian Society of Engineers, Otta Branch and the College of Engineering, the Bells University of Technology. Technology, Otta, Ogun State on 23rd March 2021.

In his address he warned that engineers will need more than certificates to be fulfilled and urged both young and old to not limit themselves to certificates. In his words: ” Let me make a passionate appeal to us all: don’t limit yourself to your certificate…I daresay that this is the bitter and gospel truth!” He noted that there are many people today that “have multiple certificates and second or third degrees, but are profitably engaged in ventures that are far different from what they studied (in school).”

He suggested that engineers should build on various skills learned, whether from engineering or otherwise as they may need them in the course of their career especially when building entrepreneurial venture.

In his words: ” After some years (or even earlier) of working, you would have been positioned to learn some skills and garnered some information along the line that would be of immense benefit to you. Some of those things you have learnt somewhere along the line would now become very useful for you when you are trying to set up an entrepreneurial or techpreneurial outfit ”

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Engr Makinde stressed that being an engineer opens up one’s mind and widen imagination, which make it easier for engineer who is prepared to foray into different ventures with some good advantage.” He warns that ” Entrepreneurs in the next decade will be far more diverse than their predecessors in age, origin, gender, and educational background. These shifts in small business ownership will create new opportunities for many, and it will change Nigeria and the global economy.”

He observed that the entrepreneurial space is now open to accommodate both young and even those nearing retirement; and that “Entrepreneurs will no longer come predominantly from the middle of the age group, but instead from the edges. People nearing retirement and their children just entering the job market will become the most entrepreneurial generation ever.”

He urged engineers to develop habit of curiosity, and be open to new ideas. He said many of the things that ended up becoming business ventures are products of curious minds that is ready to learn new things.

He advised engineers to tap into their inner power and reminded them that unlike any other profession, engineering drives innovations and creativity. Even COVID 19 Pandemic could not halt the capacity of man to innovate and create new ways of doing things.

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He congratulated the graduating engineering and welcomed them into the engineering family. However he warned that, while they have worked hard to achieve this feat, they will still need to work harder to become successful engineers outside the classroom because the competition awaiting them is intense. He however enjoined them to stay focused.

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He lamented the trend where young people place money ahead of their professional development and better opportunities to grow. He counselled young engineers who felt bored about attending professional gathering, that those events are what they actually need to build their professional and life long networks.

“There would be solution to nagging problems from amongst your network of colleagues and professionals. There is no way you can be an island unto yourself. Even information is very key, which would only be found amongst your engineering peers and pals. So, you need your network of professionals. Don’t cut them off!”- Engr Adekunle makinde

“if you are great at solving problems, curious about how things work, always looking for a better way of doing things, thinking beyond your certificate, learning continuously, know that money is not everything, imbibing good morals and virtues, and not abandoning your professional network: then rest assured that with lots of hard work, focus and prayers, you will succeed as an Engineer. In fact, as an Engineer, you will definitely be a change agent in this changing world.” He concluded.

The event had in attendance, Vice Chancellor Bells University of Technolgy, Engr. Prof. Jeremiah O. Ojediran, Deputy Vice Chancellor: Prof. Mrs. Olubukola Kuforiji, Registrar: Mr. L. S. Tafa, Bursar: Mr. S. A. Adepoju, Dean, college of engineering, Dr. Adeoye O. Ojo, Deputy dean: Dr. Mrs. O. O. Olusanya, and hundreds of graduating students, lecturers and executive committee members of Nigerian Society of Engineers.

Engr Adekunle Makinde, FNSE, FNIEEE is National Manager at Globacom. He is a former National Chairman of Nigerian Institute of Electrical Electronics Engineers, NIEEE. He has served the Nigerian Society of Engineers, NSE as National Executive Committee member; President, Young Engineers Forum of Nigeria (YEFoN), and and has mentored many younger engineers.

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Report compiled by isqil Najim (@isqilnajim twitter)

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