By Isqil Najim
The Electrical and Electronics Engineering professionals has officially inaugurated the Chartered Institute of Electrical and Electronic Engineering of Nigeria (CIEEEN) on April 4, 2025, heralding a new chapter in the pursuit of quality and integrity within Nigeria’s Electrical/Electronic Engineering sector.
The event marked the resolution of the long-standing demand for a Chartered Institute for Electrical and Electronics Engineers.
The inaugural meeting and oath-taking ceremony of the CIEEEN Council was held, with Engr. Felix O. Olu, the President of the Nigerian Institute of Electrical and Electronic Engineers (NIEEE), hosted the event. The event also included the inauguration of the CIEEEN Council members who are expected to elect President and Vice President among the Council members soonest.
During his inauguration speech, Engr. Olu lamented the long-standing issue of incompetent and fake technical practitioners that has plagued the industry, leading to economic, social, and health implications.
“For too many years in Nigeria, we have endured and condoned the pains of substandard service delivery provided by incompetent and fake technical hands across all our engineering cadres. We have tolerated quackery and its economic, social, and health implications,” he said, adding that the solution to the challenge is the enforcement of strict professionalism.
He said that various ideas for combating quackery with professionalism in the Electrical and Electronics engineering division culminated and crystallized around 2006 under the Nigerian Institute of Electrical and Electronic Engineers (NIEEE), then known as the Electrical Division of the Nigerian Society of Engineers.
On the realization of this, “The NIEEE drew a map for the journey to establishing a Chartered body that will differentiate between the competent and the quack,” he recalled.
“Therefore, today, we are witnessing a twenty-year-old milestone!” he declared, adding that the journey has not been easy. He outlined the journey from advocacy to legal recognition at the National Assembly and its subsequent culmination in the signing of the bill establishing it in April 2023 by former President Muhammadu Buhari.
A steering committee was formed to create synergy with all stakeholders. This led to new identity for the new body, selection of new Motto and colour and creation of new website. for CIEEEN www.cieeen.org.ng.
“Nigerians, and especially the engineering community, have long awaited a day like this, enduring the negative impact of the absence of this kind of body,” Engr. Olu stated.
He urged the council to prioritize the development of a comprehensive master plan for establishing the institute’s operational framework. This includes office setup, membership registration processes, and the creation of necessary bodies to implement CIEEEN policies. He stressed the importance of undertaking extensive and intensive public awareness campaigns to ensure that the public and relevant stakeholders understand CIEEEN’s mandate and functions.
Engr. Olu also highlighted the need to actively engage the seven entities that have yet to nominate their representatives to the CIEEEN Council, emphasizing the importance of their participation in strengthening the institute. Recognizing the unique nature of CIEEEN’s role, he recommended that council members participate in a dedicated retreat to facilitate an in-depth study and understanding of the CIEEEN Act.
He charged the council members to be courageous, resolute, and prepared to face opposition, emphasizing the professional and non-political nature of their responsibilities.
He used the occasion to commend the NIEEE members for their unwavering commitment in driving the CIEEEN initiative from its inception, urging them to remain steadfast. He expressed his confidence in CIEEEN’s potential to foster growth and instill professional pride within the Electrical/Electronic Engineering community.
Also speaking, the Deputy General Manager, NEMSA, Engr. Usman Omozua Momoh, underscored the challenges ahead, stating: “One of our tasks as the pioneer council is to rebuild the profession. Engineering practice, especially electrical engineering, has been compromised over the years.
He highlighted the vast scope of electrical engineering, covering power, communication, instrumentation, and avionics, and emphasized the need for strong enforcement of standards.
He said that many engineers lack awareness of existing IEEE regulatory standards, which must be enforced to combat quackery.
Momoh, called for stronger collaboration among electrical engineering bodies, urging professionals to take ownership of regulatory agencies.
“If we are serious, we must ensure that the Managing Director of NEMSA is someone who understands our profession. Otherwise, we will never fully occupy the space meant for us in the industry.”
He also decried the proliferation of substandard electrical materials, calling for stricter import regulations.
“Electrical engineers must be involved in the importation and sale of electrical materials. We must enact laws requiring an engineer’s oversight in these businesses. Their certification should be at stake—if substandard materials are found in their shop, their license should be revoked.”
The CIEEEN Act 2022, a legislative milestone, was achieved in April 2023 when President Muhammadu Buhari assented to the bill passed by the National Assembly to establish the Chartered Institute for Electrical Engineers. The Act provides the legal framework for the institute.
The Act stipulates a twenty-three-person council, drawing representation from thirteen key bodies and entities within the sector. These include The NIEEE, NATE, NISET, NAEC, COREN, SON, NBTE, NCC, NITDA, NUC, NERC, NEMSA, and NBC, highlighting the broad-based and high-level nature of the council, poised to effectively champion professionalism in Electrical/Electronic Engineering.
The council members of the Chartered Institute of Electrical and Electronic Engineering of Nigeria, inaugurated on Friday, April 4, 2025, include Engr. Akinsola Oluwagbemiga Cole FNIEEE, Engr. Hon. Dr. Surajo A. Musa FNIEEE, Engr. Moses Morakinyo Adesulu FNIEEE, Engr. Mrs. Bilkisu Musa Kida, Engr. Matthew Chuks Madu MNIEEE, Dr. Adetoro Moshood Lanre, Engr. Adeyemi Kings, Engr. Isaac Adekanye FNIEEE, Engr. Sunday Oguntunde FNIEEE, Engr. Kabiru Muhammed Salihu, Engr. Ismaila Ayanda Lawal, Engr. Usman Haruna Nakorji, Tanko Gyang FNAEC, Rt. Hon. Engr. Tech. Dominic Udoatan KSM, Engr. Usman O. Momoh, and Engr. Kaltumi Giwa.