By Olatunde Ajayi
The Nigerian Society of Engineers (NSE) has charged engineers in the country to position themselves as drivers of national development by embracing innovation, ethical practices, and continuous professional growth.
The Chairman of NSE, Ibadan branch, Ayokunnu Ojedele, made the call on Friday in Ibadan during the 2026 Annual Dinner, induction of new corporate members, inauguration of new executives, and technical paper presentation of the branch.
The News Agency of Nigeria NAN reports that the event was part of activities lined up for a week-long programme marking the 2026 Engineering Week of the branch.
Ojedele said Nigeria is at a critical point in its development and that challenges in infrastructure, transportation, power, housing, water supply, manufacturing, technology, and environmental sustainability can only be addressed by competent and innovative engineers.
He noted that engineers must move beyond passive observation and take responsibility as problem-solvers who deliver solutions tailored to the local environment while upholding the highest standards of safety, quality, and ethics.
He stressed that the engineering profession must continue to play a leading role in closing the nation’s infrastructure deficit, improving productivity, supporting industrialisation, and promoting technological advancement.
According to him, development will remain slow if the contributions of engineers are not properly harnessed and guided by professionalism and accountability.
Speaking on the changing nature of the profession, the NSE Chairman said artificial intelligence, automation, renewable energy, smart infrastructure, advanced manufacturing, and digital engineering are reshaping how engineering is practised globally.
He urged members to commit to lifelong learning and professional development to remain competitive both locally and internationally.
Ojedele urged the newly inducted members to uphold the dignity of the profession, maintain high ethical standards, and use their expertise for the advancement of society.
The Guest Lecturer, Prof. Ismaila Salami of the Federal University of Agriculture, Abeokuta (FUNAAB), urged members to always put public interest first in their professional conducts.
Speaking on the theme, “Beyond the Blueprint: Engineering Excellence, Ethics, and National Development”, Salami said that the engineering ethics is not primarily about protecting reputation or your licence, but about protecting human lives.
“The consequences of an engineer’s ethical failure are almost always borne by people who had no voice in the engineer’s decisions such as patients, school children, commuters, workers and other people who trusted the system.
“Nigeria has the resources, the population, and the land. What Nigeria needs urgently is the engineering capacity to convert those resources into prosperity, “he said.
Similarly, the NSE President, Ali Rabiu, in his opening remarks, urged the newly inductees to keep the ethics of the profession in their engineering design and projects execution, adding that making huge profit should not be their first priority.
Represented by Ezekiel Ojekunle, a former Chairman of the branch, the president charged Fellows of NSE and other senior members to embark on mentorship programmes that will accelerate the growth of younger ones.
This, he said, would help young engineers to blend standard professional conduct with their career progression.
The event also featured the inauguration of new executives who will pilot the affairs of NSE Ibadan Branch for the next term.(NAN)www.nannews.ng
Edited by Vivian Ihechu