By Olatunde Ajayi
The Nigerian Society of Engineers (NSE) says there is an urgent need to bridge the gap between academia, research, and industry through industry-driven academic curricula.
The Ibadan Branch Chairman of the NSE, Ayokunnu Ojedele, stated this during the inauguration of new executive members.
Ojedele said that bridging the gap would enhance sustainable development in Nigeria.
The theme of the event was “Innovative Engineering Practice: Bridge Connecting the Triad of Academia, Research, and Industry for Driving Sustainable Development.”
Ojedele said that professional bodies, particularly engineering societies, need to interface more with different arms of government in order to be part of policy formulation and ensure quality project delivery.
He expressed the readiness of the society to strengthen collaboration with government, industry, institutions, and other bodies to provide professional advisory support, influence policy, promote innovation, and drive sustainable infrastructure development.
“Research requires the mastery of theory provided by academia to generate the evidence-based innovation required by industry.
“Without evidence-based research, industry cannot innovate, and without industry, research has no commercial outlet,” he said.
Ojedele promised that the NSE, under his leadership, would focus on Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics (STEM) outreach, high-impact professional training, community development, improved members’ welfare, among others.
The Vice-Chancellor of Joseph Ayo Babalola University, Prof. Olasebikan Fakolujo, emphasised the need for joint efforts between industry and academia towards curriculum design that would enhance employability skills.
Fakolujo, who was the guest speaker at the event, noted the need for Nigeria and Sub-Saharan Africa to transition from consuming nations to producing nation.
He said that the engineering profession must also move beyond traditional methods to Innovative Engineering Practice (IEP), and the application of scientific principles and manufacturing processes.
According to him, there must be a national policy that would guarantee continuous research funding and grants from both public and private sectors.
“We must encourage knowledge transfer through internships, fellowships, and residency programmes for graduates within industries.
“In addition, there must be the creation of innovation hubs and dedicated centres for prototyping, startups, and SME talent development,” he said.
The NSE President, Ali Rabiu, said that the growing levels of poverty, infrastructure decay, and social inequality in Nigeria demand engineers’ practical and visible intervention.
Represented by an NSE national executive member, Ayotunde Ogunnoiki, Rabiu said that engineers must be at the forefront of solving problems, noting that community engineering is not an option, but a responsibility.
“I charge NSE Ibadan Branch to initiate and execute impactful projects that address water supply, energy assets, transportation, and all other basic needs within its catchment areas.
“Let the people feel the presence of engineers not only in policy decisions, but in their daily lives,” he said.
Speaking on behalf of other NSE award recipients, Oladele Fadele, CEO of Elfad Concept, said that the award was a renewed call to greater responsibilities to ensure relevance, visibility, and impact in the social and economic development of Nigeria. (NAN)(www.nannews.ng)
Edited by Victor Adeoti
