The Honourable Minister of Innovation, Science and Technology, Chief Uche Geoffrey Nnaji, has expressed readiness of the Ministry to partner with the Nigerian Society of Engineers (NSE) on several strategic fronts, including the establishment of a Joint Working Committee to serve as a Special Purpose Vehicle (SPV) for innovation-driven and youth-focused initiatives.
This was the outcome of a courtesy visit where he hosted Engr. Margaret Aina Oguntala, President and Chairman-in-Council of the Nigerian Society of Engineers (NSE), to his office on Wednesday, July 16, 2025.
The Minister who described the meeting as “more than a courtesy visit” added that “it was a convergence of purpose, passion, and national duty.”
“At the Federal Ministry of Innovation, Science and Technology, we believe that engineers are nation builders, and today’s engagement affirmed our mutual commitment to driving sustainable development through science, technology, and innovation.” he said.
The Ministry and the NSE are aligning their strategies to inspire youth, transform innovative ideas into thriving industries, and bolster Nigeria’s standing in global engineering circles.
“From reviving the JETS Club in secondary schools, to collaborating on the Young Engineers’ Innovation Challenge, to advancing Nigeria’s presence in global engineering circles — NSE and FMIST are aligning strategies to inspire youth, translate ideas into industries, and promote indigenous innovation.
He expressed admiration for Engr Oguntala’s historic Presidency and her reform agenda which he said aligns with the President Bola Tinubu’s Renewed Hope Agenda. In his words, “I am particularly inspired by Engr. Oguntala’s historic presidency and her 5-pillar strategic agenda for transforming the NSE. It aligns seamlessly with our Renewed Hope Mandate under President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, GCFR — especially in nurturing a technology-driven economy and building a skilled, resilient workforce.”
“As we prepare for the 2025 International Engineering Conference themed “Engineering Innovation for a Sustainable Blue Economy”, FMIST stands ready to support, collaborate, and showcase how Nigerian engineers are solving real-world problems with local brilliance.
Earlier, the NSE president Engr. Oguntala who led a high-powered delegation, presented the NSE’s five-point strategic agenda, which includes: Membership Development and Capacity Building; Strengthening Academia-Industry-Government Linkages; Global Engineering Relations; Institutional Reforms and Governance; and Community Impact and Youth Empowerment.
Oguntala also highlight the NSE’s dedication to grassroots STEM education and the creation of innovation platforms to nurture young engineering minds.
The engagement also featured technical updates from key government agencies. Engr. Dr. Mustapha Abdullahi, FNSE, Director-General of the Energy Commission of Nigeria (ECN), provided progress reports on pilot projects in green hydrogen, solar water heating, and wind energy, along with plans for a Barefoot Renewable Energy College in Kogi State.
Furthermore, Dr. Mathew Olamide Adepoju, Director-General of the National Space Research and Development Agency (NASRDA), announced the upcoming second phase of the AI Academy and a Renewable Energy Skills Acquisition Programme. Both initiatives aim to build Nigeria’s technical talent in future-relevant technologies.
As a testament to the strategic partnership, Minister Nnaji pledged the Ministry’s full support, collaboration, and participation in the NSE’s 2025 International Engineering Conference. Scheduled to be held in Ibadan, Oyo State, from December 1–5, 2025, the conference theme, “Engineering Innovation for a Sustainable Blue Economy,” was highly commended by the Minister as timely and aligned with national goals for technological innovation and economic diversification.
The highlight of the meeting is the establishment of a Joint Working Committee to serve as a Special Purpose Vehicle (SPV). This SPV will coordinate collaborative efforts in crucial areas such as renewable energy, artificial intelligence, engineering innovation, and youth capacity development. This highlight the commitment of the Federal Government’s readiness to work with the NSE on strategic fronts, particularly in innovation-driven and youth-focused endeavors.
