By Henry Uche
Erstwhile Head of the Civil Service of the Federation, Mrs. Winifred Ekanem Oyo-Ita, has urged Nigerian engineers to lead Nigeria development through innovation and sustainable practices.
The former Head of the Civil Service of the Federation, made this call at the 9th Rev. Engr. Etteh I. Etteh Distinguished Annual Lecture, as she underlined the pivotal role engineers play in modernizing economies, solving local challenges, and repositioning Nigeria for global competitiveness.
In a lecture titled: The Engineer in 21st Century Nigeria: A Delicate Balance of Economic Reality in Harnessing Professional Skills for Innovation and Development, Oyo-Ita underscored the transformative potential of engineering across sectors like infrastructure, telecommunications, and energy.
She called on engineers to extend their expertise into emerging areas such as renewable energy, agriculture, and transportation to tackle Nigeria’s unique challenges.
“The contributions of Nigerian engineers are evident, but there is a need for a mindset reset to overcome challenges like climate change, population growth, and economic volatility. Ingenious solutions, indigenous innovation, and collaboration are vital to repositioning Nigeria for sustainable development,” she said.
Oyo-Ita stressed the importance of fostering indigenous innovation to reduce reliance on imported technologies, citing the development of solar energy solutions and localized manufacturing as key examples. She also advocated research and development (R&D) centers to enhance local engineering capabilities.
Calling for reforms in Nigeria’s educational system for challenges ahead, she stressed: “Engineers must lead the way toward innovation rather than waiting for government policies. This requires developing cost-effective, locally sourced technologies that address Nigeria’s realities,”
She recommended prioritizing Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics (STEM) education from an early age, alongside hands-on training and entrepreneurship programs in tertiary institutions.
“To produce high-caliber engineers, our education system must focus on practical, innovative training in fields like renewable energy, industrial automation, and agricultural machinery,” she said, citing China and India as global models for inspiration.
She further urged the government to implement policies that support certified engineers and curb quackery in the profession. The private sector, she added, must invest in engineering innovations through venture capital and partnerships.
“To transform our economy, engineers need funding, continuous professional development, and access to the tools required to compete effectively,” she stated.
She challenged Nigerian engineers to assume leadership roles as visionaries and change agents. “The Nigerian engineer of the 21st century must go beyond professionalism to become a leader who can redefine the nation’s development narrative,”
Meanwhile, the NSE President, Engr Margaret Oguntola, lauded Oyo-Ita’s remarks, highlighting ongoing efforts by the association to champion capacity-building programs and policy advocacy for the profession.
Oguntola who was represented by Valerie Aderagba also called on young engineers to embrace leadership opportunities that can shape the nation’s future.
In a remark, the National Chairman of the Nigerian Institution of Civil Engineers, Dr Ezugwu, highlighted the significance of the event in celebrating the legacy of Rev. Engr. Etteh, a trailblazer in civil engineering.
Dr. Ezugwu lauded Engr. Etteh’s contributions to infrastructure development and sustainability, as well as his mentorship of engineers through Etteh Aro & Partners, a leading indigenous consulting firm.
The forum addressed the challenges facing the engineering profession amid rapid technological advancements and economic complexities.
“As we navigate the challenges of the 21st century, it is imperative to balance economic realities with leveraging our skills for innovation and development,” Ezugwu said. He called for collective efforts from all stakeholders to position Nigeria as a hub for technological innovation.