When the Nigerian Society of Engineers, NSE, decided to conceive the idea of the Divisions of NSE as a response to the growing advancement and diversification of engineering disciplines, they envisaged that the Divisions will be the bastion of engineering innovations in Nigeria. The diversity nature of engineering makes it even more profound.
Over the years, however, many divisions begin to operate like Branches of NSE and deviated from their traditional roles as the centerpiece of research, innovations and development. While many are focusing on this especially as regard the technical contents and the research, others are still in their teething period. It is for this reason that we at MyEngineers are excited about the bold vision of the new leadership under Dr Uche Obiajulu at the helm, of Nigerian Institution of Mechanical Engineers, Lagos Chapter.
Weeks ago, the Chapter elected new executive members with Sir Engr Dr Uche Obiajulu emerging as the new Chairman and the new leadership has now been formally inaugurated.
The following are the shape of things to come as the Chapter deviated from the “norm” to carve a new outlook for the Division. If it sustains its goal, it may be the game changer and classic template for other chapters (Divisions) to emulate.
Obiajulu cardinal goals:
Bridge builder!
There can be no progress without unity. Many mechanical engineers are not active members of NIMechE for one reason or the other, a situation the new administration has set out to work on by creating awareness and environment for their participation. From public institutions to private, academic to industry, the new administration is working to ensure a united front. Obiajulu has therefore raised the bar by extending warm welcome to all to join and contribute to mechanical engineering.
“Let me state here that due to the structure and programmes of the Divisions, smart engineers are going to be those who actively participate in division activities as Divisions are the future of engineering in Nigeria.-” Dr Obiajulu
Bonding with Sister Organisations
In a move intended to bring mechanical engineers in other divisions together to achieve greater bond, Dr Obiajulu recognize the existence of the other associate divisions. many of them are mechanical engineers but are under other associations. He set a goal to develop stronger bond with them rather than see them as competitors. Thus opening the way toward collaborations and positive engagements.
He said “We are to establish strong bonds with our associate Organisations. Each organization will have a liaison officer to cement relationship with them. This will engender more networking and professional engagement among mechanical engineers in Lagos.” To achieve this, the new administration set up a committee which has started work in that direction.
Industry-Academic Partnership
No doubt, one of the original areas of responsibilities for the Division is to cultivate industry Academic partnership. Wherein the practicing engineers and the academic community exchange ideas and assist each other in research and professional development. No nation has developed without strong bond between Academic community and industry.
As a result, Dr Obiajulu set out from day one, a task to deepen the relationship between town and gown. NIMechE under his administration will show interest in their works and also encourage them in getting patents for their original works. It further aimed at encouraging graduates transform their school projects into viable enterprises. To achieve this, a committee was established under leadership of Prof. Sunday Ojolo and draws members from both academic community and the industry to develop and implement NIMechE framework.
The administration also announced the establishment of newly formed NIMechE Lagos Consult to be headed by experienced Engineer, Engr Victor Akpan. This body will serve many purposes including selling its ideas to the academic community while also serving as a link between them and the private sector.
Supports for Research and Doctorate Holders
What is more, Dr Obiajulu is extending hands to postgraduate communities with view to support their research works including assisting them through dedicated programmes at the Chapter. The Chapter will open a regular linkage between its and the academic institutions in Lagos with view to establish deeper relationship. He called on members within academic environment to join hands with the Chapter to achieve this goal.
Codes and Standards
One of the primary focus of the divisions is Codes and Standards. It is a National assignment and is organised in conjunction with Standards Organisation of Nigeria, COREN and other regulatory bodies. NIMechE under Dr Obiajulu has set its sight towards increasing the Chapter works in this aspect with a committee also to be established. It has therefore nominated its former Chairman in person of Engr Amos Komolafe to head the Chapter’s Codes and Standards Committee
Young Engineers Development
As with the culture of the Chapter, the new administration under Dr. Obiajulu also have strong interest in the development of young engineers and aim at taking advantage of the newly amended COREN Act to assist younger engineers in securing industry experience. In his word:
“With the signing of COREN Act amendment that mandate NYSC to post young engineers to engineering firms, we are urging NYSC to abide strictly by this while also appealing to companies to absorb and training our youths in their establishments. On our part, we shall be creating more programmes for our younger professionals to assist them in their career journey”
Apart from the above, the administration will continue the existing programes while also creating more improvement in a bid to make them more effective. The new administration also set goals in area of training, community engineering and hosts of others and from onset have created committees with proven leaders to head them in achieving the goals. Truly, with the new leadership in the saddle, NImechE Lagos is ready for the next level.
Earlier in their addresses, during the investiture of the new chairman,the outgoing chairman, Engr Olusegun Fadeyi had listed some of the achievements of the Chapter while also thanking members for their commitments and efforts in ensuring the chapter sustains its leadership position among NIMechE chapters in the country. he urged members to intensify their efforts at midwifing their initiatives and tap into international grants and funding. HE recall partnership the Chapter enjoyed with the Royal Academy of Engineering through its Innovation challenge and others.
Engr Collins Onuegbu delivered the inauguration lecture, titled “Will Engineering Survive the 4th Industrial Revolution?” where he advised engineers to retool themselves and brace up for the disruption in the industry. Noting that the Engineering was the father of industrial revolution and will still be driver of the 4th revolution, but it will come with some drastic change as the engineering that will emerge form the 4th industrial revolution will not be as we know it today.
Also the National Chairman Dr Robinson Ejilah challenged NIMEchE chapters to “spread across the length and breadth of nation, to join us in our concerted efforts to bring mechanical engineering to the heart of the Nigerian society through; public engagements, partnerships and collaborations; by addressing engineering skills and diversity challenges, and promoting engineering innovation and entrepreneurship, and good governance.”
Further he tasked the experienced engineers on the need to bring their expertise into policy application in the country.
we must harness the experience and expertise of our most talented members to provide independent advice to government, to deliver programmes that help exceptional engineering researchers and innovators realize their potential, to engage the public with engineering, and to provide leadership for the profession. T- Dr Robinson Ejilah
The colourful event which held at Four Point by Sheraton Hotel on Victoria Island attracted dignitary from various Branches of NSE, Divisions and also other professional bodies.
Chairman by the National Chairman Dr Robinson Ejilah, while Engr. Colins Onuegbu, Executive Vice Chairman of Signal Alliance Ltd delivered the inaugural Lecture. Others dignitaries are Engr bayo Ojulari, Managing Director Shell Nigeria Ex[loration and Production Company, HRH Igwe Francis Umennajiego, Igwe Ohazurume 1 of Unubi, Engr. Chief Akintunde Zedomi, pioneer National Chairman of NIMechE and its first president, Engr John Audu, NSE Victoria Island branch, Engr Rose Madaki , immediate past NSE VI Branch, Engr Funmi Akingbagbohun, NIMechE Deputy National National Chairman-Elect, and the first female chairman Lagos Chapter, Engr Amos Komolafe, Engr Jubril Adeyemo, all past Chairmen of the Chapter and host of others too numerous to mention.
by Isqil Najim