By Grace Alegba
The Nigerian Academy of Engineering (NAE) has inaugurated former Executive Vice-Chairman of the Nigerian Communications Commission (NCC), Prof. Umar Danbatta, as its 14th President.
The investiture, held in Lagos, also featured the induction of 12 new fellows, presentation of Lifetime Achievement Awards and conferment of honorary fellowships.
In his acceptance speech, Danbatta unveiled a four-point agenda centred on policy engagement, academia-industry collaboration, mentorship and strategic partnerships.
Prof. Umar Danbatta, 14th President, NAE (middle) flanked by past Presidents during his investiture in Lagos.
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 him, 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.
Danbatta said 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.
The new president also promised 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 called on engineers to move beyond advocacy and contribute practical solutions to Nigeria’s developmental challenges.
Some fellows of the Nigerian Academy of Engineering
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.
Also, the Vice-Chancellor of Bayero University, Kano, Prof. Haruna Musa, urged the institute to play a greater role in addressing Nigeria’s development 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.
Former Special Adviser on Works to the Lagos State Government, Mrs Aramide Adeyoye (middle) during her induction as fellow of the Nigerian Academy of Engineering in Lagos
Delivering the academy’s annual lecture, Prof. Emeritus Fola Lasisi urged Nigeria to increase investment in engineering education, research and innovation to accelerate economic growth and industrial development.
Lasisi described engineering as a key driver of modern economies, noting 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.
The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that the institute inducted 12 new fellows and honoured 10 distinguished members with Lifetime Achievement Awards in recognition of their contributions to engineering and national development.(NAN)(www.nannews.ng)
Edited by Maureen Ojinaka/Olawunmi Ashafa