Mechanical engineers begin construction of tech advancement academy in Ogun
Oba Adeleke Basibo,
Alaperu of lperu, Ogun, (middle) during ground breaking ceremony for Mechanical Engineers Technology Advancement Academy
By Bolu Akindoyin/Grace Alegba
The Nigerian Institution of Mechanical Engineers (NIMechE), on Thursday, conducted the ground breaking ceremony for its Mechanical Engineering Technology Advancement Academy at Iperu-Remo in Ogun.
Iperu-Remo is near the Redemption Camp of the Redeemed Christian Church of God located at Kilometre 45, Lagos-Ibadan Expressway.
The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that the Traditional Ruler of Iperu Remo, Oba Adeleke Basibo, the Alaperu of Iperu Remo, conducted the ground breaking ceremony.
The NIMechE National Chairman, Dr Olufunmilade Akingbagbohu, said at the event that the academy would nurture the next generation of engineers.
Akingbagbohu said that the academy was aimed at bridging the gap between theoretical knowledge and practical skills in mechanical engineering.
She added that it would equip young mechanical engineers with the skills needed to thrive in a rapidly-evolving industry.
“The academy aims to train 5,000 young engineers for the labour market, empowering them through learning, training, internship programmes and certification courses,” she said.
She said that collaborative efforts with MacArthur incorporated in Canada were important toward realising the goal.
She said that there were plans to have trainers from MacArthur to contribute to the academy’s programmes.
Akingbagbohun further said that the academy – is first of its kind – would collaborate with University of Lagos, Toyota Nigeria, Naval dockyard and Innoson Motors.
She said that the academy would give attention to the ongoing conversion from petrol to gas engines.
She said that the Nigeria Liquidfied Natural Gas Ltd. had promised to put up a building in the academy while Sir Keshinton Adebutu, Founder of Premier Lotto, promised to build a workshop in the academy.
She called on other well- meaning Nigerians, organisations and governments to support the project tagged: “Graduate Employability Programme”.
She assured the host community that the project would attract rapid development to the area.
She called for a revised curriculum in tertiary institutions to further promote industrial growth and development.
She thanked the Managing Director of IMMAC Group, Chief Kole Olatunji, for donating the land for the academy.
The National President of the Nigerian Society of Engineers (NSE), Mr Tasiu Gidari-Wudil, represented by Mr Abass Mohammed, thanked NIMechE for the project which, he said, would go a long way to close the gap between classroom theory and practical skills.
The Chairman of the Board of Mechanical Engineering Technology Advancement Academy, Mr Seun Faluyi, said that Nigerian engineers would need to contribute more to national development and capacity building of their members.
According to him, in spite of high unemployment rate in the country, some employers are unable to fill some vacancies due to lack of relevant skills by job applicants.
He added that the academy would train and prepare graduate mechanical engineers in Nigeria with skills to contribute to national development.
The Wife of Ogun Governor, Mrs Bamidele Abiodun, represented by Mrs Fakoya Bolanle, congratulated NIMechE for the initiative.
She promised to continue to support educational projects.
She expressed the hope that the academy would make much impacts. (NAN)
Edited by Ijeoma Popoola
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