Valedictory Speech of Engr Funmilade Akingbagbohun as 15th National Chairman of the NIMechE

ADDRESS BY THE OUTGOING NATIONAL CHAIRMAN, ENGR (DR) FUNMILADE AKINGBAGBOHUN, FNSE, FNIMechE ON THE OCCASION OF INVESTITURE OF ENGR ALHASSAN ABDU MOHAMMED, FNIMechE AS THE 16^TH NATIONAL CHAIRMAN OF NIGERIAN INSTITUTION OF MECHANICAL ENGINEERS, NIMechE.

Protocol

It gives me immense pleasure to welcome you all to the ceremonial investiture of Engr. Alhassan Abdu Mohammed, FNIMechE, as the 16th National Chairman of our esteemed Institution, the Nigerian Institution of Mechanical Engineers (NIMechE). It is with deep gratitude and a sense of accomplishment that I stand before you today as the outgoing National Chairman of the Nigerian Institution of Mechanical Engineers. Serving in this role has been a tremendous honor and a journey marked by collaboration, innovation, and progress.

The Nigerian Institute of Mechanical Engineers (NIMechE), is a division of the Nigerian Society of Engineers (NSE), is the umbrella organization for Nigerian mechanical engineers and their affiliated bodies. We operate as a nationwide organization with chapters established in individual states of the federation and members representing diverse specializations within the fields of mechanical engineering and industry.

As Nigeria actively pursues national development, industrialization, and the aim of fostering homegrown manufacturing, the crucial role of mechanical engineers cannot be overlooked. This importance stems not only from their inherent versatility but also from the profession’s fundamental involvement in virtually every aspect of engineering, acting either as a core contributor or the driving force behind production.

Two years ago, in this very room, I was inaugurated as the first female and 15th National Chairman of our Institution. It was a challenging time, yet a unique opportunity to usher in a new era of thinking. My team and I embarked on crucial reforms and programs aimed at stabilizing the institution and laying the groundwork for future prosperity and professional development.

With your unwavering support and commitment, we have achieved significant progress in a short period of time, leaving a strong foundation for incoming leadership.

Over the past two years, we successfully delivered a wider range of professional development and capacity-building programs. We strategically deployed our resources to train both younger engineers and upskill established engineers, ensuring they remain competitive in the manufacturing industry.

During my tenure, we witnessed the resilience and dedication of our members, who tirelessly contributed to the advancement of mechanical engineering in Nigeria. Together, we organized impactful conferences, facilitated knowledge-sharing forums, and championed initiatives that propelled our profession forward.

Our commitment to fostering the next generation of engineers was evident in the mentorship programs and educational outreach activities that we undertook. By investing in the development of young talents, we ensured a sustainable legacy for the field

In our pursuit of fulfilling our institutional mandate, we have forged bold collaborations with select institutions to deliver world-class programs to our members. Here are some examples of these successful partnerships:

1. During my pre-investiture roundtable discussion with industry experts, a critical need was identified – a shortage of practical welders in the nation. Experts at the gathering challenged us to bridge the skills gap between academia and industry.

In response to this challenge, our administration, through dedicated national committees, established partnerships to address this challenge. One such partnership led to the creation of a Welding Academy on the FUTA campus, with allocated land and sponsorship secured. Similarly, we initiated the NIMechE Academy in Ogun State, securing land, funding, and performing the groundbreaking ceremony. This academy, upon completion, will provide a world-class training center for graduate and postgraduate engineers, offering essential skills and professional development. Dedicated national committees and boards were established to guide both academies toward completion. I am confident the new administration will see these projects through to fruition. It will be first of it kind to be so established among the Divisions of NSE.

2. Under our administration, NIMechE has made significant progress in broadening our institution’s scope and serving our members, even in the face of various challenges. We have established our professional and capacity-building collaborations with both local and international bodies like McAlpha Inc Canada, JMG, University of the West of Scotland, Glasgow Caledonian University, University of Lincoln, Jamara Company Limited, and Toyota Nigeria Limited, among others.
3. To contribute to the evolving practices in Mechanical Engineering and expose young engineers to postgraduate practical training, the Nigerian Institution of Mechanical Engineers (NIMechE) launched the Graduate Employability Program (GEP) in partnership with Tranos Contracting Limited, Lagos, a leading industry leader in its sector. The program resulted in the employment of several graduates by the organization after the training. In a bid to expand our frontiers, we partner with NLNG, Naval Dockyard, Nasarawa State Government and various companies and foundations on the GEP program for graduate Engineers.
4. A training scheme for young engineers on 3D AutoCAD software was held in Ilorin from January 23rd to 28th, 2023. Over 100 participants attended the training, and similar programs was planned to be conducted across the geopolitical zones in the near future. The program was sponsored by a former Commissioner for Works and Transport in Kwara State
5. Also training for young Engineers in the Automobile Industry was sealed as a part of MOU signed between NIMechE and Toyota Nigeria Limited. This was based on a meeting between NIMechE and Toyota Nigeria which was held on 3^rd March 2023 in Lagos.
6. On Thursday, January 19th, 2023, An Industry Academy Parley, held in collaboration with the University of Abuja’s Faculty of Management Sciences, aimed to bridge the gap between industry and academia. This initiative specifically focused on preparing students and young graduates for opportunities within the mechanical engineering field
7. In a bid to expand our frontiers and reach all the parts of the Country we had inaugurated 7 additional Chapters: They include Taraba, Gombe, Yobe, Kogi, Auchi, Owerri, Aba, Mowe Chapter is getting ready to join the Family
8. To address the diverse needs of our members, we commenced the Fellows Round Table. This initiative specifically caters to Senior Engineers by providing them with a platform to: leverage their extensive experience to create solutions to identified national challenges, and network and collaborate with other Fellows across the country.
9. In addition to our diverse monthly workshops, seminars, and activities, we offer programs specifically designed to enhance the professional capacity of our members. These initiatives, intended for both young and seasoned engineers, contribute to their continuous professional development. As the hallmark of a dynamic engineering professional lies in their ability to continuously learn and adapt, we encourage ongoing training and retraining beyond formal education.
10. During my tenure, we actively participated in World Engineering Day activities and motivated our graduates to enroll in the WFEO Hackathons.
11. We successfully organised a virtual National workshops on Codes and Standards in collaboration with Standards Organization of Nigeria and other Regulatory Agencies titled “Promoting the Adoption of Codes and Standards in Nigeria” on Wednesday May 24^th 2023
12. Within the period under review, the MEMART draft was reviewed, awaiting approval from the Council and AGM. Special tributes to Late Engr. Dr. Alex Okopi Momoh FNSE, FNIMechE, FNIM who made relevant contributions to the MEMART
13. The inaugural Water Sanitation and Hygiene Essay Competition, co-organized by the Institution and Lagos Water Corporation, took place on February 15th, 2023, with over 30 secondary schools participating. Held at the Nigerian Society of Engineers Ikeja Branch, the competition saw winners awarded cash gifts, laptops, and other souvenirs
14. Our website was upgraded with additional contents of Monthly newsletters and Magazines
15. Mentorship and Mentoring: An Interactive platform was launched for Mentor and Mentees
16. Professional Advancement Symposium: During my tenure, we organized two editions of the Professional Advancement Symposiums to improve the professionalism of our members. International Speakers from all works of life were invited to speak at the Symposium. The Symposium event is held every 16^th August of every year
17. Patrick Andrew Students Innovation Challenge: My administration revived the NIMechE Innovation challenges which we renamed as Patrick Andrew Students Innovation Challenges. The event now hold alongside our Annual National. Two editions have been conducted and dozens of innovative ideas and projects were showcased by our young students from tertiary institution around the country. Special thanks go to the Vice President of NSE Engr. Ademola Agoro, FNSE for his kind sponsorship towards this event. It is my humble view that this project needs to be sustained, and upgraded at all cost as it will be avenue to groom our students toward becoming problem solvers. It is hoped that the platform will expose creative students with bankable ideas to potentials sponsors or investors.
18. Under My tenure, we brought back excitement to our National Conference as the two editions recorded massive turn out, at Ibadan and Ilorin. I am using this opportunity to thank members and professionals of goodwill who supported these events
19. My tenure also successfully organised NIMechE Mechanical Engineering Distinguished Lecture, (MEDL). We honoured two of our illustrious members, Engr Ahmed Kadi Amshi FNS.E, the Executive chairman, National Assembly Service Commission and Engr Sen Otunba Gbenga Daniel, FNSE, FNIMechE, a former Governor of Ogun State and Distinguished senator of federal Republic of Nigeria. The two events were hugely successful.

Our National Committees and specialized groups serve as powerful engines driving our agenda forward. Led by some of the nation’s most accomplished and experienced professionals, these committees draw diverse expertise from across the country. I urge the next administration to maintain them as a top priority in policy development and implementation. Effectively harnessed, these committees can significantly enhance efficiency, speed, and inclusivity. They provide a platform for talented, skilled, and distinguished professionals to contribute to the Institution’s progress. We must acknowledge that while some may not hold formal positions, their valuable insights are essential

We reach a significant milestone in our journey as we move towards a fully evolved association. The past two years have witnessed tremendous growth within our Institution, positioning us for even greater heights in the years to come.

Engineer Alhassan Abdu Mohammed, FNIMechE, stands as a peacemaker and stabilizer, possessing the experience and commitment gained through the years. His administrative and leadership background equips him with the edge needed to pilot our institution towards even greater heights. I humbly request your full support to ensure his success, as the task of leadership requires a collective effort.

Fellow engineers, we stand at a pivotal moment in our nation’s development, a time when neutrality is no longer an option. Let us unite in support of our professional association and make a positive impact on our country through our combined contributions.

Finally, I see this as an opportunity to express my heartfelt gratitude to everyone. During my travels across the country and visits to many chapters, I have been warmly welcomed and supported in our shared mission to serve our profession and uplift our members welfare. Witnessing the countless engineers silently dedicated to its advancement, directly or indirectly, has deeply inspired me. To all of you, I offer my profound appreciation. Your unwavering support has been instrumental in our achievements.

I extend my heartfelt appreciation to the executive committee, chapter leaders, and all members who supported our vision and worked tirelessly to enhance the stature of the Nigerian Institution of Mechanical Engineers. Your dedication has been the cornerstone of our success.

As I hand over the reins to my successor, I am confident that the institution will continue to thrive under new leadership. Let us remain united in our pursuit of excellence, pushing the boundaries of innovation and contributing to the growth of mechanical engineering in Nigeria.

Thank you for the privilege to serve as your National Chairman. May the institution continue to prosper, and may our collective efforts pave the way for a brighter future in Mechanical engineering practice in Nigeria.

l thank my family especially my ever patient, loving and supportive husband Engr Kehinde Akingbagbohun and the children who stood by me through all the challenges and journey of this tenure, l couldn’t have been focused without their unwavering support and commitment towards my success.

Once again, I welcome you to this gathering as we witness history together.

Thank you

Engr. Mrs. Funmilade Akingbagbohun, FNSE, FNIMechE

National Chairman (2023-2024)