By Isqil Najim
The 2026 edition of Engr Olu Awoyinfa memorial lecture lived up to its billing as a platform for awakening Engineers to their responsibility. The Guest Speaker, Ademola Adesalu and the Keynote speaker, Engr. Sesan Odukoya, demanded a higher standard from the new generation of engineers.
Adesalu, the Executive Technology Advisor at Amber Global Space Limited, laid out what he described as the central truth about Nigeria’s development crisis. According to him, that it is not, at its core, a political problem. It is an engineering one.
He cited the daily realities: a business owner losing money to power failure, communities swamped by flooding because drains were never properly built, farmers watching produce rot because there is no cold storage or good road to market.
“Nigeria does not merely need policies,” he said. “Nigeria needs engineered solutions.”
“The future of our country will not be shaped in political chambers and financial institutions alone. It will also be shaped in laboratories, workshops, construction sites, factories, design studios, innovation hubs, and engineering boardrooms. The future will be engineered.” Ademola stressed.
“One of the dangers confronting many developing societies is the gradual normalisation of mediocrity,” he said, pointing to failed infrastructure, abandoned projects, and compromised standards as symptoms of a deeper rot, not just in government, but inside the engineering community itself.
He told the new engineers that having a university degree is not enough. The engineer who stops learning quickly becomes irrelevant. “Renewable energy, automation, artificial intelligence, digital systems, smart infrastructure are reshaping industries globally. Read widely, pursue competence, master emerging technologies, seek mentorship.”
On innovation, Adesalu pushed back against the idea that Nigeria’s problems are simply obstacles. He pointed out that they are, in fact, a market. The country’s energy gap creates room for solar, mini-grids, and battery storage. The agricultural sector is wide open for mechanisation and smarter irrigation. Rapid city growth demands sustainable buildings and climate-conscious planning.
“Problems are not always obstacles. Sometimes they are opportunities waiting for innovative minds,” he stressed
“Competence without character is dangerous. Do not compromise standards for temporary gain. Do not ignore safety procedures. Do not approve what you know to be defective.” — Ademola M. Adesalu,
He told the new engineers they are now custodians of a legacy and that their conduct must protect it. He singled out integrity as the one asset that outlasts every project, every contract, and every change in the market.
“Technologies evolve, projects end, markets change, but integrity remains priceless.” he stressed.
“Always ask yourself: how does my knowledge improve lives?
“The next engineering breakthrough may come from a Nigerian laboratory, a construction site, an innovation hub or from someone seated in this hall today. Nigerian engineers do not merely inherit the future — we engineer it.” he concluded.
Representing the National President of the NSE, Engr. Ali Rabiu, a past NSE President, Engr. Ademola Olorunfemi emphasized that the backbone of any professional body is an unwavering commitment to active participation. He described life and time of Engr Awoyinfa as a lesson in humility and leadership which is unforgettable.
The NSE president reminded the inductees that their new status demands heightened accountability: “Engineering is a position of deep creative responsibility. Your daily decisions and technical actions have direct consequences on human lives, public property, and the environment. For this reason, you must always uphold the highest ethical standards.”
A past National Chairman of Nigerian Institution of Environmental Engineers, NIEE, Engr. Sesan Odukoya while speaking, as Keynote speaker, challenged the new generation of engineers to look at their physical surroundings as proof of what purposeful engineering can accomplish. He revealed that the very ground where the Secretariat stands was once an abandoned refuse dumpsite.
“It took the vision, political will, and physical determination of our past branch leaders to clear this area and build the structural asset we are enjoying today,” Odukoya recalled.
“we must move forward from where we are currently by adopting a strictly participatory approach. Please do not be a passive member who only shows up or engages during election cycles. The growth of our nation relies entirely on your active, daily professional contributions.” he said.
Earlier, the Chairman of the Branch Engr. Nimot Muili while welcoming participants, extolled the legacy of the Branch’s founder, Engr. Olu Awoyinfa, noting that his vision over three decades ago birthed what is proudly known today as “The Branch to Beat.”
She emphasized that modern challenges require engineers to lead technological transformation through technical excellence, innovative problem-solving, and strict ethical professionalism. She challenged the engineers to pioneer sustainable developments that strengthen the national economy.
“As engineers entrusted with public safety, infrastructure development, industrial growth, and national progress, we carry immense responsibility. Ethical conduct, accountability, discipline, and adherence to professional standards must continue to define our practice.
“As a Branch, we remain committed to nurturing engineers who embody these values. Through mentorship, capacity development, strategic partnerships, knowledge-sharing platforms, and professional engagement, we will continue to empower our members to thrive in a rapidly evolving world.” She said
A highlight of the event was the presentation of the annual award to the Best Graduating Student of the Department of Chemical Engineering at Obafemi Awolowo University. The prize was awarded by Dr. Segun Awoyinfa to Mr. Olalere Emmanuel Olayemi, who achieved an outstanding Cumulative Grade Point Average (CGPA) of 4.79. The award was instituted in honor of the late Engr. Olu Awoyinfa and is presented annually to recognize academic excellence.
The event was attended by Dr. Segun Awoyinfa (Son of the late Engr. Olu Awoyinfa), Engr. Sesan Odukoya, past National Chairman of NIEE and the event’s keynote speaker, Engr. Isaac Olorunfemi, Past president of NSE and Chairman of the Occasion ( representing the NSE President), Engr. Francis Ogunmanam (Past Chairman, NSE Ikeja Branch), Engr. Ganiyu Owolabi, ENgr Olubunmi Akinboboye (the organising committee chairmna) among others.
isqil Najim can be reached on Linkedin HERE
