The President of the Nigerian Society of Engineers, NSE, Engr. Margaret Aina Oguntala, has recorded a milestone with a direct positive response to the fifth pillar of the NSE Strategic Agenda, being Improved Community Impact, as the Energy Commission of Nigeria (ECN) pledges support in achieving green, zero-carbon-emission environment at the National Engineering Centre (NEC) Headquarters, Abuja.
During a courtesy visit to the Director General of ECN, Dr. Abdullahi Mustapha, on Thursday, April 4, 2024, Madam President invited the Commission to be part of efforts of the Society in expanding the renewable energy project already commissioned at the NEC Headquarters. The visit was in part fulfilment of the objectives of NSE, to engage in collaborations with government agencies with a view to contributing to the holistic development of the country.
It will be recalled that the NEC Headquarters Phase II is currently equipped with 100KVA solar installations as alternative source of power. With this partnership arrangement secured, the installation is expected to be upscaled with additional installations. This is one of the items amongst several which Madam President presented to the DG, ECN for consideration for collaboration, all of which she received endorsement for.
In her speech, Madam President explained that her administration has a five-pillar agenda that it is running with. She said, “…the fifth pillar, being Improved Community Impact, has direct correlation with the mandate of the Energy Commission of Nigeria, this is why I am seizing this opportunity to express my utmost appreciation, on behalf of the Council of NSE, to the management of ECN for acceding to the request made by NSE during the tenure of the last administration, for a collaborative venture between NSE and ECN, the initiative was set towards actualising our dream of achieving a green, zero-carbon-emission environment at the National Engineering Centre (NEC) Headquarters.”
The President also requested for collaborations on the NSE Smart Innovation hub adding that this was crucial especially that NSE is spear-heading the adaptation of curricula and teaching methods to ensure that engineering professionals and students are innovative. Additionally, she said that training programmes were being created and developed to upskill and reskill NSE members to meet the demands of the 4th Industrial Revolution (4IR), noting that the NSE Smart Innovation Hub was established to meet those set goals.
According to her, the project is a model for engineering innovation which comprises of an Engineering Laboratory; Artificial Intelligence (AI)/Internet of Things (IoT) Laboratory; Virtual Offices, SMART Physical offices, e-library and other training facilities.
“This project will create an enabling environment for innovations, research, product development, business development, as well as entrepreneurship training for engineers and other stakeholders”, she noted.
Similarly, Engr. Oguntala requested partnership from ECN on the 2024 National Engineering Conference. She emphasized on the importance of the annual event saying “one of the special purpose vehicles for achieving the objectives of our organisation, especially with regards to acquisition and improvement of technology as well as incubating innovations in engineering, is the Annual National Engineering Conference and Exhibition, Workshops and Seminars, as well as publication of Technical Journals.
“I am pleased to inform you that the theme for the 2024 edition of the National Engineering Conference and Exhibition is “Sustainable Engineering Solutions to Food Security and Climate Change”, the Council of NSE carefully considered and approved the theme for the conference to reflect the yearning of the President and Commander-in-Chief to achieve sustainable food security for Nigeria in his tenure”.
Director General of ECN, Dr. Abdullahi Mustapha, in his response, assured Madam President of the commitment of the Commission on collaborating with NSE in the areas mentioned and in many other areas in future. He thanked NSE for the various symbiotic arrangements with NSE in the past and appreciated NSE for the confidence reposed in ECN.
He said: “Madam President, there is no NO in my dictionary. Part of our mandates at ECN is to promote energy efficiency and to upscale the use of renewable energy in every part of the country. I’m happy that you mentioned that you have 100KVA already installed. Our aim is to go completely net zero. So, when we hear about an organisation already moving towards net zero, we are left with no option than to support. I am also happy that you mentioned that there has been an arrangement between ECN and NSE in that regard before I came in. I will demand a report from the Director, Renewable Energy on the status of the discussions. Once we know that, we will ensure that we upscale and complete that project quickly”.
Dr. Mustapha went further to say: “For the conference, we will be there. We are not just going to be there; we will be there to support you. Maybe we will require another letter detailing the specific aspects of support that you need, whether in the areas of facilitation, paper presentation and monetary support. In fact, we want ECN logo to fly conspicuously as one of the Strategic Partners or Sponsors of the conference”.
On the team of Madam President was the Deputy President of NSE, Engr. Ali Alimasuya Rabiu, FNSE, MFR; Vice President, Collaborations and Linkages, Engr. Bemigho Ofoeyeno, FNSE; Engr. Wilson Ali; Director of Membership Services, Engr. Babatunde Odunlami, FNSE, and Engr. Emmanuel Ejika, MNSE.
After the exchange of speeches by the two CEOs, the ECN DG paved way for a brief interaction session between Madam President and the ECN Engineers in the top management. During the session, the President elucidated on the matter of proper placement of Engineers in the civil service.
Similarly, the Deputy President explained the issue of engineering curriculum update in the country’s citadels of learning, noting Nigeria’s efforts on the quest for international level recognition, including ensuring that the country was at parity with other advanced countries like the provisional membership of the Washington Accord.
Also, the management of ECN expressed their desire for NSE to take special interest in the development of Solar Water Heaters being undertaken by ECN at their Nsukka and Sokoto research outlets. The job creation aspect and economic benefit of the project to the national economy were eminently highlighted.