By MyEngineers
Dauda Monsuru Olatunji’s tenure as National President of the Nigerian Universities Engineering Students Association (NUESA) has been marked by a dynamic and results-oriented approach to leadership.
Despite the Challenges of the global pandemic, His administration ushered in a new era of innovation, digital engagement, and professional development for engineering students across Nigeria.
In a speech commemorating his tenure at the Nigerian Universities Engineering Students Association (NUESA) investiture ceremony on June 12, 2021, outgoing President Dauda Monsuru Olatunji used the opportunity present his scorecards.
A cornerstone of Olatunji’s leadership was the association’s digital transformation. The launch of the NUESA website and chat app created a robust platform for members to connect, collaborate, and access essential resources. This digital infrastructure was instrumental in facilitating online learning initiatives, career guidance, and networking opportunities during the unprecedented challenges posed by the COVID-19 pandemic.
Olatunji acknowledged the unprecedented challenges of 2020 but praised support of the leadership of Engr. Babagana Muhammed, the President of the Nigerian Society of Engineers (NSE) and other stakeholders. This collaborative spirit, he emphasized, was instrumental in driving NUESA’s progress.
Flourishing Online Presence and Membership Growth
A key achievement marked the launch of a functional NUESA website ([https://www.nuesanational.org.ng](https://www.nuesanational.org.ng)) boasting over 10,000 registered members. This digital hub offered a one-stop shop for engineering students, featuring features like downloadable ID cards, career updates, discussion forums, and a convenient chat app for staying connected.
Furthermore, NUESA witnessed a surge in membership, growing from a modest 30 chapters and less than 500 students to a robust network of 105 chapters and over 10,000 members. This expansion reflected the association’s growing influence and the value it delivered to engineering students across Nigeria.
Equipping Students for the Future
Recognizing the need for well-rounded engineers, President Olatunji’s administration championed initiatives that equipped students with the technical and soft skills necessary to thrive in the job market. This commitment materialized in the form of online classes, lectures, and workshops that catered to over 60% of engineering students nationwide. These sessions focused on honing technical skills, developing positive attitudes, and instilling reliable approaches to learning. Soft skills development also took center stage, with students gaining valuable expertise in areas like teamwork, self-assessment, and effective communication.
Responding to the Pandemic with Innovation
The emergence of the COVID-19 pandemic presented a unique challenge. However, NUESA, under Olatunji’s leadership, did not shy away. The association rose to the occasion by organizing the COVID-19 Engineering Challenge. This innovative platform leveraged the collective brainpower of Nigerian engineering students, inviting them to develop solutions and projects that addressed the pandemic’s impact, safeguarded the Nigerian economy, and fostered global cooperation in these critical times.
Showcasing Excellence Through National Events
NUESA’s commitment to excellence extended beyond online initiatives. The association spearheaded the organization of the first-ever virtual National Engineering Summit (NES), attracting over 2,000 participants. This landmark event served as a platform for students to explore career opportunities, engage in discussions with industry leaders, and gain valuable exposure that transcended the confines of traditional classrooms.
Building on this momentum, NUESA developed the National Engineering Workshop (NEW), an online program designed to equip students with the latest industry knowledge and prepare them for the evolving job market. The program featured career experts and human resource personnel from top recruiting firms, offering insights into industry trends and the essential hard and soft skills sought after by employers. Additionally, the NEW program provided participants with valuable hands-on experience through digital workshops, exposing them to cutting-edge technologies used in the workplace. Software like ANSYS Fluent, the Autodesk Product Design Suite, and MATLAB were just a few examples of the tools explored by students during these interactive sessions.
NUESA’s dedication to fostering a well-rounded engineering community was further exemplified by the successful hosting of the 4th annual National Technical Conference and Exhibition (NTCE). Held at the Ladoke Akintola University of Technology (LAUTEC) in Ogbomoso, the week-long conference focused on achieving the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).
This emphasis on sustainability underscored NUESA’s commitment to preparing future engineers who are not only technically proficient but also possess a deep understanding of the environmental and social challenges facing the world today. The conference provided a stimulating environment for students to learn, compete, network with established engineers, and gain valuable insights from industry leaders.
A Legacy of Collaboration and Achievement
As Olatunji concluded his speech, he expressed his heartfelt gratitude to the NUESA members, committee members, NSE leadership, and others who played a pivotal role in the association’s success. He emphasized the power of teamwork and staying connected, ensuring a smooth handover and continued progress for NUESA.
Beyond the achievements highlighted in his speech, Olatunji’s tenure also saw the implementation of initiatives like awarding membership certificates and ID cards, organizing general meetings and webinars for students nationwide, and conducting career talks and competitions for secondary school students. These efforts aimed to cultivate a strong pipeline of
TEAM 2020-2021
- DAUDA MONSURU OLATUNJI- PRESIDENT -LADOKE AKINTOLA UNIVERSITY OF TECHNOLOGY,
- SIRAJO ADAMU – VICE PRESIDENT/ ZONE A COORDINATOR – KANO UNIVERSITY OF SCIENCE AND TECHNOLOGY WUDIL, KANO STATE
- AKHIMIEN JUDE FRIDAY – VICE PRESIDENT/ ZONE B COORDINATOR – AMBROSE ALLI UNIVERSITY, EKPOMA, EDO STATE.
- AL-MUSTAPHA SULE – V.P/ZONE C COORDINATOR -UNIVERSITY OF MAIDUGURI, BORNO STATE,
- ADEFOLAHAN- VICE PRESIDENT/ZONE D COORDINATOR -FEDERAL UNIVERSITY OF TECHNOLOGY AKURE,
- OKEJIAKU TOBECHUKWU- VP/ZONE E COORDINATOR-FEDERAL UNIVERSITY OF TECHNOLOGY OWERRI
- EZE CHUKWUEMEKA EMMANUEL- SECRETARY GENERAL- ALEX EKWUEME FEDERAL UNIVERSITY NDUFU ALIKE, EBONYI STATE
- EDOHO ESTHER-FINANCIAL SECRETARY -UNIVERSITY OF PORT HARCOURT,
RIVERS STATE. - MUSTAPHA KUDUS O.- ASSISTANT SECRETARY GENERAL-FEDERAL UNIVERSITY OF TECHNOLOGY MINNA, NIGER STATE.
- MUSTAPHA YUSUF.- TREASURER.-TARABA STATE UNIVERSITY JALINGO. TARABA STATE.
- OGOLO-CHRISTIAN DIMABO DESTINY-P.R.O-RIVERS STATE UNIVERSITY, RIVERS STATE.
- OKAFOR CHUKWUDI AMOS- DIRECTOR OF SOCIAL -ALEX EKWUEME FEDERAL UNIVERSITY NDUFU ALIKE IKWO, EBONYI STATE
- MORDI CHUKWUBUOKEM OGOCHUKWU- DIRECTOR OF SPORT- FEDERAL UNIVERSITY OF PETROLEUM RESOURCES