By Ebunoluwa Sessou

The newly inaugurated 22nd President of the Nigerian Institute of Electrical and Electronic Engineers, NIEEE, Engr. Dr. Felix Adegboye, FNSE, FNIEEE, has disclosed that his administration will focus on national expansion, deeper government engagement, diaspora integration, and infrastructure development.
Speaking at his investiture ceremony, Adegboye pledged to bridge institutional gaps, strengthen policy advocacy in the power sector, and reposition the Institute as a key driver of Nigeria’s digital and energy transformation.

He succeeds the immediate past president, who served 22 months and described his tenure as a “divine privilege,” highlighting significant achievements, including membership growth, digital transformation, and financial strengthening of the Institute.

Adegboye said his administration would prioritize expanding the Institute’s presence in underrepresented regions, particularly the North-East and South-East.

“We are doing very well in the South-West and South-South, striving in the North-Central, but we must deliberately expand into areas where our presence is limited,” he said.

He emphasized that broader national coverage would strengthen professional influence and engineering development across the country.

On national challenges, particularly power supply, Adegboye stressed the need for stronger collaboration between NIEEE and government institutions.

“There is no economy anywhere without power. Energy drives every system,” he said, noting that the Institute is prepared to offer professional expertise to support energy reforms.

He pointed out that Nigeria’s major challenge is not the absence of policies but weak enforcement.
“The legal frameworks exist. What we need is enforcement and the right professionals in key positions. When you put the wrong person in the right place, you cannot expect optimal results,” he stated.

He added that NIEEE’s Power and Clean Energy Section would intensify engagement with ministries, departments, and agencies to provide technical input and follow through on policy implementation.
Adegboye also announced plans to revive the Institute’s international outlook, particularly its flagship International Conference and Exhibition on Power and Telecommunications, which he said had lost some global participation in recent years.

He disclosed that efforts were already underway to establish a diaspora chapter to strengthen global collaboration and attract international participation back to the Institute’s programmes.

The new president revealed plans to embark on key institutional projects, including securing a permanent national secretariat in Abuja and developing existing land assets owned by the Institute.

“We must build structures that reflect the stature of our profession,” he said.

On attracting investors to Nigeria’s power sector, Adegboye stressed the importance of creating a conducive environment.

“An investor comes to make profit. If the visibility and stability are not there, they will not come. The government must create an enabling environment,” he noted.

The immediate past president, Engr. Felix Olu, FNIEEE, in his valedictory remarks, thanked members for their cooperation and support, noting that over 700 new members were registered during his tenure, alongside significant financial growth and digitalization of membership processes.

He described leadership transition as critical to institutional success, stating, “Success without a successor is failure in disguise.”

Meanwhile, the Chairman of the occasion, Mr. Tomi Araromi, Managing Director of Infostrategy Technology and founder of Irecharge Tech Innovations, emphasized the central role of electrical and electronic engineers in Nigeria’s digital future.

“The digital economy cannot thrive on blackouts. Data centres cannot function without stable power. Engineers are the foundational architects of Nigeria’s digital transformation,” he said.

He urged stronger partnerships among engineers, financiers, and innovators to drive local manufacturing and technological independence.

In his remarks, the National Chairman of the All Progressives Congress (APC), Prof. Nentawe Goshwe Yilwatda, who was represented, commended NIEEE for consistently harnessing technology to solve complex problems and improve lives.

“Your expertise is crucial in addressing Nigeria’s infrastructure challenges, from power generation to telecommunications,” he said.

He congratulated the newly inaugurated president for his outstanding contributions to the field.
“Your achievements are a testament to the power of hard work, dedication, and passion. We encourage you to continue pushing boundaries and making meaningful impacts in your communities,” he added.