The President of the Nigerian Society of Engineers(NSE), Engr. Margaret Oguntala has announced a new partnership with tech firms to equip members with cutting-edge skills.
Oguntala said this during a hybrid signing ceremony of a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) between NSE and Citadel for Technological and Engineering Development Ltd (CITED) on Monday.
She said the partnership signifies a formal agreement on alignment with one of the key objectives of the society, which is capacity development.
The president said the NSE Strategic Agenda, hitherto known as the Margaret Oguntala Presidential Strategic Agenda (MOPSA), is a bold vision.
She said: “The policy thrust aims at closing the widening skills gap within the engineering profession.
“We are working to create opportunities for specialised and needs-based training through reputable partner organisations such as CITED and to drive a coordinated system of industry internships and apprenticeship programmes for our members.
“Going forward, NSE will become more intentional in developing pipeline programmes that support engineering students and recent graduates.
“This is our strategic approach to ensuring a sustainable pool of qualitative, innovative engineering manpower for the country.”
According to her, NSE is on the path to establishing a collaborative structure for coordinating internships for students in polytechnics and universities, as well as apprenticeship opportunities for graduates of technical colleges.
“This MoU signing, therefore, marks the beginning of a formal partnership and provides CITED with a comprehensive understanding of the scope and ambition of NSE’s capacity development agenda.
“From the very beginning, CITED has proven to be a trustworthy and results-driven partner, and we look forward to building a long-term, impactful relationship.
“This MoU signing ceremony is a stepping stone toward a brighter, more innovative future for the engineering profession in Nigeria,” she said.
Oguntala encouraged members to explore partnerships that would boost NSE activities, especially in capacity development for members.
Responding, the Managing Director of CITED, Engr. Bola Akirinbido commended NSE’s commitment to promoting engineering excellence and advancing the interests of its members.
Akirinbido reiterated the unwavering commitment of CITED to providing quality services in engineering consultancy, corporate training, manpower development, and continued professional development (CPD) for engineers, technologists, and technicians.