The Nigerian Society of Engineers (NSE) has issued a strong call for the federal government to urgently modernize engineering education and foster deeper collaborations between universities and industries. This appeal was central to discussions at the 2025 International Engineering Conference, Exhibition, and Annual General Meeting held at the University of Ibadan International Conference Centre.
Urgent Call for Curriculum Modernization
Representing the Minister of Marine and Blue Economy, Alhaji Adegboyega Isiaka Oyetola, Engr. Olalekan Badmus of the Nigerian Ports Authority delivered a critical message. He stated that Nigeria's future economic competitiveness is directly tied to the quality of its engineering workforce. He identified fast-growing global sectors like ocean energy, advanced manufacturing, renewable energy, and maritime technology as areas requiring a new breed of engineers with practical, modern training.
Oyetola emphasized that academic institutions must move away from outdated teaching models. He advocated for the adoption of industry-driven, hands-on educational approaches that mirror the current technological landscape. His address also underscored the necessity for robust partnerships involving tertiary institutions, professional engineering bodies, the private sector, and research centres.
Engineering Excellence Key to National Development
NSE President, Engr. Margaret Aina Oguntala, positioned educational reform as the cornerstone for sustaining engineering excellence in Nigeria. She reaffirmed the Society's 70-year commitment to enhancing professional capacity and facilitating knowledge transfer to equip the next generation of engineers.
"Engineering is critical to Nigeria's progress in infrastructure, energy, transportation, agriculture, and environmental management," Oguntala stated. She stressed that aligning the country's training institutions with global best practices is non-negotiable for Nigeria to remain competitive in a rapidly evolving world.
Bridging the Gap Between Academia and Industry
With the conference themed "Engineering Innovation for a Sustainable Blue Economy," participants examined the need for increased regional cooperation and more investment in research infrastructure. A consensus emerged that universities cannot adequately prepare engineers without substantive support from industry, particularly in specialized fields.
Industry leaders and experts at the event proposed concrete steps to bridge the existing skills gap. Their recommendations included:
- Establishing dedicated research hubs and innovation clusters.
- Creating robust internship and placement pipelines to connect students with key economic sectors.
- Focusing on high-demand areas like marine engineering, renewable energy tech, traffic management systems, and digital innovation.
These measures, they argued, are essential to improve job readiness, close critical skills shortages, and ultimately enhance Nigeria's standing in the global market.
