At a recently organised Second Public Lecture/Seminar and Award, by APWEN Ota Chapter, experts have called for more funding and investment in digital technology and engineering researches with view to drive the Nigeria’s ambition to join global technology advancement; Isqil Najim reports.
In his presentation, titled: “Engineering Research, Driving the Transformation of Digital Technology in Nigeria,” Professor Ojo Sunday Fayomi, Dean College of Engineering, at the Bells University of Technology, said that evolving innovations have made our world a better place, thanks to scientific, technological advances. According to him, these changes manifested through new forms of products, improved productivity, labour and ideas.
Fayomi added that, “for Nigeria to achieve its burning desire of digitised robust solution-based Technology, a defined and refined home grown industry culture that could compete internationally and outlive us, we must tap into the power of digitised engineering.”
He stressed that emerging fields such as Artificial Intelligence, Big Data, and many others in global manufacturing cannot be ignored. He urged Nigeria to strategize to embrace industrialisation through deliberate policies. He explained that the future of our industries depends on the evolving technologies and technology-based tools. He noted that COVID -19 has opened up opportunities that are not available before, and we must also endeavour to catch up with global development standards.
To achieve this, he suggested that Nigeria must pay close attention to technology driven concepts and provide infrastructural facilities that aid developments. He emphasized the need for technology enlightened leadership to be in charge of policy formulation and implementation to drive national development strategies. Above all, he appealed to the Industry stakeholders and government to contribute into the adequate funding of engineering researches.
“It is no doubt that the world is changing and the best of engineering is yet to come. However, we have to be intentional, objective and factual to face the world with a new approach that engineering research brings.” He concluded.
Also speaking at the event, the State coordinator, Standards Organisation of Nigeria, Engr. Ayuba Samuel Ushe, highlighted the importance of standards. In his lecture, titled “Engineering Code and Standard Driving the Transformation of Digital Technology in Nigeria,” he explained the effect of code and standards in the Engineering Profession.
Earlier in her address, the APWEN Ota Chapter Chairman, Engr. Dr. Okokpujie Imhade said her tenure’s focal point is on building the Intellectual capacity of both the Female Engineers and the Girl Child Education. She said APWEN is committed to encouraging the girl child to study engineering because engineering is the heartbeat of every nation. She said without the knowledge of Engineering, no nation can have sustainable development.
In their contributions, the special guest, Engr. Simeon Eze and Chairman NSE Ota Branch, Engr. Adewale G. Adeyemi encouraged the Chapter and commended Chapter for putting up such an outstanding event. They pledged their supports for the Chapter in future event like this.
The event attracted dignitaries from the academia and industry. Some of the dignitaries are Engr. Adewale George Adeyemi, Nigeria Society of Engineers, Ota Branch Chairman, Engr. Simeon Eze, the Asset Manager Shell Nigeria Gas, Ota, Professor Ojo Sunday Fayomi, Dean of College of Engineering, Bells University of Technology, Engr. Ayuba Samuel Ushe, State Coordinator Standards Organisation Of Nigeria (SON), Engr. Chinedu Ezugwu, a lecturer from the Bells University of Technology, Engr. Dr. Enesi Salawu, Engr. Dr. Dirisu Joseph, Engr. Dr.Azeta Joseph, the Chairman Engr. Dr. Imhade Princess Okokpujie and all the EXCO Members of APWEN Ota Chapter.
Awards to distinguished engineers .
The highlight of the event was the awards presented to distinguished professionals who have contributed tremendously to the growth of the APWEN Ota Chapter. The 1st Category, “THE ENGINEERING SHEROES AWARD,” was presented to Engr. Patricia N. Opene-Odili, Engr. Valerie Agberagba, Engr. Nnoli Akpedeye, Engr. Dr. Felicia Nnena Agubata in recognition of their distinguished roles in development of APWEN Ota Chapter Female Engineers and their huge Support to the Future Female Engineering Project.
Other categories include the “MERITORIOUS AWARD” presented to Engr. Samuel Ayuba Ushe, and Engr. Simeon Eze, in Recognition of their sustained Contributions toward the Development of Female Engineers in the APWEN Ota Chapter: “Distinguished Award” was presented to Engr. Sylvia Kelechi in Recognition of her support for the future of female Engineering Project; whle “Certificate of Selfless Service” Award was Presented to some members who distinguished themselves through the year 2021. They are Dcns. Faith Ademuyiwa, Engr. Dr. Joseph Olufunmilayo, Mrs. Fajugbagbe Atinuke, Eyenuro Suzie, Engr. Dr. Abraham Damilola, Miss. Okongwu O. Vivian and Engr. Edun Bose Mosunmola MNSE. Theseawards were given under the distinguished leadership of Engr. Dr. Imhade P. Okokpujie, the Chairman APWEN Ota Chapter.
