The Nigerian Society of Engineers (NSE), Ilorin Branch under the leadership of Dr. Olusola Adetola Ogunjirin, has called for a strategic shift towards passenger rail as the “backbone” of Nigeria’s public transport system. The call was made at a press conference on Monday as part of the branch’s 2025 Engineering Week.
The 23rd Chairman of the Branch, Engr. Dr. Olusola Ogunjirin, speaking at the Branch Engineering Centre, Tanke, Ilorin, stated that the week’s theme, “Engineering Sustainable Mobility: Passenger Rail as the Backbone of Nigeria’s Public Transport,” was chosen to highlight the critical role of engineers in developing sustainable solutions for the country.
“As engineers, we remain committed to providing solutions that drive sustainable development in Kwara State and Nigeria at large,” Ogunjirin said.
He highlighted the branch’s recent achievements, including its involvement in key state infrastructure projects and community development projects. The society, in conjunction with one of its members, provided a motorised borehole and a new generator to the Oloje community, a project Ogunjirin said was a “testament to our commitment to engineering excellence.”
Ogunjirin also celebrated the approval and inauguration of the new NSE Offa Branch, noting that it was a historic occasion that would expand the society’s reach. He recalled that since the Branch was established in 1968 as the pioneer Branch in Kwara State, it has since expanded to give birth to the Omu-Aran and Offa Branches of NSE.
He further acknowledged the professional advancements of many members, including the promotion of Engr. Prof. Olubunmi A. Mokuolu, to the rank of a full Professor, making her the first female Fellow of the NSE from the Ilorin Branch to achieve the feat.
The Chairman also celebrated the investiture of Engr. (Dr.) Jani Ibrahim who was elected as the 23rd National President of the Nigerian Association of Chambers of Commerce, Industry, Mines and Agriculture (NACCIMA), describing it as a milestone achievement for the Ilorin Branch.
Ogunjirin outlined the week’s upcoming events, which include technical and site visits, an online webinar, and the branch’s Annual General Meeting.
Dr. Ogunjirin called on the Executive Governor of Kwara State, Mallam Abdulrahman Abdulrazaq to support local engineering contractors, stating that this would build capacity within the state. He stated that indigenous engineers and firms has all it takes to deliver standard projects and has the technical know-how to compete with their contemporaries from any part of the world. He reiterated the fact that the number one engineer in the world today, President of the World Federation of Engineering Organizations (WFEO), Engr. Mustapha Balarabe Sheu is a Nigerian.
“On this note, I call on all members to come together as one entity and move the Society forward — professionally, socially, and technically. We have more to do as a body for ourselves,” he said.*
Also speaking at the event, a Past Chairman of the Branch, Engr. Prof. A.G.F. Alabi, highlighted the role the Council for the Regulation of Engineering in Nigeria (COREN) is playing towards improving the Engineering Curriculum through Outcome Based Education (OBE) and ensuring Nigerian Engineers get licensed to practice anywhere in the world through Washington Accord, amongst others.
He called on Governments across all levels to see patronage of indigenous engineers and firms as a way of empowering its own citizens.
The Branch Chairman in his closing remarks stated that the 2025 Engineering Week of the Branch will feature technical sessions, lectures, networking events, and outreach programmes aimed at promoting engineering innovation and sustainable development.
Here is the schedule of events for the Nigerian Society of Engineers, Ilorin Branch’s 2025 Engineering Week:
- Day 1 (Sunday, August 24, 2025): A special Thanksgiving Church Service will be held at the Apostolic Church, Offa Garage District Centre, Ilorin, at 9:00 am.
- Day 2 (Monday, August 25, 2025): The Chairman’s Press Briefing will take place at the Branch Engineering Centre (BEC) at 4:00 pm.
- Day 3 (Tuesday, August 26, 2025): The day will feature two events: a Technical and Site Visit to selected construction sites within the Ilorin metropolis, with a take-off point at the Ministry of Energy at 10:00 am, and a Webinar on Zoom at 8:15 pm.
- Day 4 (Wednesday, August 27, 2025): Spouses Forum Programmes are scheduled, including a physical exercise session at BEC at 8:00 am, a Welfare Visitation to an Orphanage Home at 11:00 am, and a Training Workshop at BEC at 12:30 pm.
- Day 5 (Thursday, August 28, 2025): The Annual General Meeting, Election, and Presentation of Awards will be held.
- Day 6 (Friday, August 29, 2025): A special Jummat Prayer will be offered at the Shariah Court of Appeal Central Mosque, Ahmadu Bello Way, Ilorin, at 1:00 pm.
- Day 7 (Saturday, August 30, 2025): A Welfare Visitation will be conducted at 10:00 am.