…as 12 others become new fellows

By Kingsley Adegboye

The Nigerian Academy of Engineering (NAE), Thursday officially inaugurated former Executive Vice-Chairman of the Nigerian Communications Commission (NCC), Prof. Umar Danbatta, as the 14th President of the Academy.

The apex body of engineering profession in the country also inducted 12 new fellows, presented Lifetime Achievement Awards and conferred honorary fellowships to certain members of the Council.

Delivering his acceptance speech, Danbatta unveiled a four-point agenda centred on policy engagement, academia-industry collaboration, mentorship and strategic partnerships.

He said the agenda aligned with the institute’s 2024–2028 Strategic Plan aimed at transforming engineering education, promoting industrialisation, strengthening infrastructure management and advancing technical skills development.

According to the new boss of NAE, “the institute will deepen engagement with the executive and legislative arms of the government to ensure policies are guided by sound engineering data, research and innovation.

“The institute would champion home-grown technological solutions to address challenges in power supply, broadband expansion, climate change and environmental sustainability.

He identified the disconnect between academia and industry as a major obstacle to technological advancement and pledged to strengthen partnerships that would equip graduates with practical, entrepreneurial and industry-relevant skills.”

While promising to prioritise mentorship and capacity development for young engineers through workshops, conferences, research grants and professional development programmes, he said the institute would strengthen collaboration with key institutions, including the Nigerian Society of Engineers (NSE), Council for the Regulation of Engineering in Nigeria (COREN), National Board for Technical Education (NBTE) and National Universities Commission (NUC).

Danbatta added that the institute would expand partnerships with engineering institutions across Africa, Europe and the Americas to promote knowledge exchange and global best practices.

He therefore called on engineers to move beyond advocacy and contribute practical solutions to Nigeria’s developmental challenges.

Speaking earlier, the outgoing President of the Academy, Prof. Rahamon Bello, said the institute had strengthened its role as a strategic adviser on engineering, technology and innovation policies during his tenure.

Bello said the institute had continued to promote engineering research, capacity development and stakeholder engagement aimed at addressing national development needs.

He urged members to support the new leadership in advancing the Academy’s mandate and national relevance.

Addressing the newly inducted fellows, Bello said that their admission was in recognition of their professional accomplishments and contributions to engineering development.

“You are joining a community of thought leaders and nation-builders. Your expertise is needed now more than ever to support national development and advance the work of the Academy,” he said.

In his goodwill address, the Vice-Chancellor of Bayero University, Kano, Prof. Haruna Musa, urged the institute to play a greater role in addressing Nigeria’s developmental challenges through engineering-driven solutions.

He identified energy shortages, renewable energy development, transportation modernisation and technology-based security solutions as critical areas requiring urgent intervention.

Musa called on the institute to provide evidence-based policy advice, promote innovation and mentor the next generation of engineers.

He expressed confidence that Danbatta’s leadership would deepen research, strengthen policy engagement and accelerate the adoption of home-grown technological solutions.

Speaking on behalf of the newly inducted fellows, Mrs Aramide Adeyoye pledged the commitment of the new members to advancing engineering excellence and contributing to national development.

The guest speaker, Emeritus Prof. Fola Lasisi, while delivering the Academy’s annual lecture, said Nigeria should increase investment in engineering education, research and innovation to accelerate economic growth and industrial development.

Describing engineering as a key driver of modern economies, Lasisi stated that countries that invested heavily in technology, research and innovation had achieved rapid development.

According to him, Nigeria’s future must be built on innovation, competence, collaboration and mentorship rather than dependence on imported solutions.

He also urged Nigerian professionals in the diaspora to contribute their expertise to national development.