By Ebunoluwa Sessou

Nigerian Society of Engineers, NSE, has said that it is committed to equip engineers with cutting-edge knowledge and skills to thrive in today’s digital age.

Speaking at the flag off ceremony of the continuing professional development training for engineers for young and senior engineers, the President of NSE, Engr. Margaret Oguntala, FNSE, reiterated the need to understand the digital transformation in engineering practices for engineers.

It is expected that over 460 engineers will be trained for 6 weeks in the first edition of the continuing professional development training. The successful candidates for the Young Engineers are 209, and Senior Engineers are 252. The participants were selected during registration.

Oguntala noted that NSE since its established 67 years ago,has remained steadfast in its mission to advance engineering excellence, promote capacity building, and contribute to national development.

“It is heartwarming that on this historic occasion, we are launching a capacity-building program, which is one of the core objectives of the NSE.

“In view of the rapid technological advancements, it is essential for us to ensure that our engineers remain at the forefront of digital transformation.

“The two training cohorts being launched today are designed to equip participants with essential digital skills that will enhance their careers and contributions to national development:

According to her, “The Cohort 1, focuses on Digital Transformation in Engineering Practices covering Building Information Modelling (BIM), Artificial Intelligence (AI), the Internet of Things (IoT), Data Analytics, and Cybersecurity will be facilitated by Citadel for Technological & Engineering Development Limited (CITED).

“While the Cohort 2, will cover Data Analytics designed basically for the Young Engineers and will be facilitated by Techlytics”, she said.

Oguntala further explained that the various training sessions initiated last year have been successfully completed. Adding that, the programmes which were launched are part of the ongoing initiative aimed at ensuring that our Engineers are well-equipped to either match or surpass the capabilities of their counterparts around the world.

“It is essential that we continue to invest in the growth and development of our Engineers so that they can be the very best they can be.

“I urge all participants to take advantage of this opportunity. The knowledge and skills you would gain will be instrumental in shaping the future of engineering in Nigeria.

“Maximise this training for personal growth, career advancement, and national development”, she said.

However, Oguntala applauded the partners and sponsors who have made the program possible. We appreciate our sponsors OPTS and facilitators CITED and Techlytics for being dependable partners in the execution of the training.

“Your unwavering support in advancing engineering knowledge and professional development is highly commendable”, she said.

The Executive Director, Oil Producers Trade Section, OPTS, Mr. Gwueke Ajaifia, said, “Human capacity development is very important. It is not enough to say, you are an engineer, what is important is the quality of input and what is required when you are executing a project.

“Take the opportunity that is placed before you by tye NSE President. I am challenging you to see yourself as someone that can change the narrative.
“This will be a win-win programme for us and country as a whole.

One of the facilitators, Oluwatayo Winkunle, Founder of Techlytics, said, “Our expectation is that the young engineers will have lots of impacts from the training.

“We are expecting 80 percent graduation from the training which will impact the jobs they do currently’, she said.

One of the participants, Frank Ibih said, “My expectation after the six weeks training is to find solace in the new technology even as a retired engineer to be able to compete with the global standard.

“I want to leverage on technology to strengthen my capacity”, he said.