By Elizabeth Osayande

In response to the growing disruption caused by artificial intelligence in the financial technology sector, FinTech, the Nigerian Society of Engineers, NSE, has chosen “Nigeria’s FinTech Frontier: Innovation, Growth, and Opportunities” as the theme for this year’s Engineering Week.

Speaking at a press briefing, NSE Apapa branch president, Eng. Babatunde Awode, emphasised the need for engineers to explore the opportunities brought by innovation in the fintech sector, particularly in areas of sourcing funds for projects and sealing deals.

Awode, represented by NSE Apapa branch Vice President, Engr. Emmanuel Okolo stated that: “As an engineer, it is difficult for us to operate without finance. If you are carrying out a construction or a project, whether Mechanical, Electrical, or Chemical, funds are required. In view of this, the knowledge that we gathered from the public lecture tagged: ‘Digital Transformation in the Banking Sector; the Nigerian Experience’ will help us become more productive, understand the best practices in the industry, and know how to position ourselves to benefit from the potential in the Fintech sector.”

Other activities for Engineering Week include a press briefing and a hybrid workshop themed: “How Engineers Can Leverage the Use of Artificial Intelligence by Engr. Ayodele Fatile on Monday, August 26. Tuesday, a humanitarian Visit – Modupe Cole Memorial Child Care and Treatment, Akoka Lagos, and an industrial visit to the National Power Training Institute of Nigeria, NAPTIN Regional Training Centre, Akangba, Surulere, Lagos State.

“Wednesday, the already mentioned public lecture by Engr. Ofem Ofem Bassey. This will be followed by a Health and Wellness Talk on the Importance of Work-Life Balance by Uba Chiamaka Mercy, and also Indoor Games. The weeklong activities will be concluded with an annual general meeting, AGM, on Thursday, August 29. “

Commenting on the activities, Okolo, noted that: “The weeklong activities will provide valuable insights for engineers to leverage the use of artificial intelligence, understand work-life balance, and participate in humanitarian and industrial visits to gain practical knowledge.”

In addition to addressing the challenges and opportunities in the FinTech sector, the NSE has also called for relevant stakeholders, especially the government, to ensure the right grading of engineers in their places of employment.

“We are looking forward to seeing more opportunities for engineers. NSE as a body is advocating that those positions that are mainly technical should be occupied by engineers,” emphasised the immediate past Chairman of the NSE Apapa branch, Engr. Christian Ufot.