Dr Felix Adegboye, the newly inaugurated 22nd President and Chairman-in-Council of the Nigerian Institute of Electrical and Electronic Engineers (NIEEE), has called on engineers to drive innovation and national development.
Adegboye made the call on Saturday in Lagos during his investiture ceremony with the theme, “Resilient and Intelligent Digital Solutions: Sure Way to Economic Growth of Nigeria”.
He said the theme underscored the role of engineering in national growth, adding that the nation was confronted with challenges that tested its resilience.
According to him, such challenges include energy insecurity, digital divides, infrastructural gaps, unemployment and security concerns.
He noted, however, that such challenges present opportunities for engineers to lead transformative change.
“These challenges are not roadblocks; they are invitations for engineers to rise, to innovate, and to lead.
“No nation can industrialise, digitise or secure its future without reliable power, intelligent systems, robust communication networks, automation and emerging technologies.
“Engineers are no longer just problem solvers; we are nation builders,” he said.
Adegboye described NIEEE as strategically positioned to serve as a technical think tank, with about 10,000 professionals across power, clean energy, ICT, automation and emerging technologies.
“We are custodians of standards, ethics, competence and innovation,” he said.
The new president said his administration would focus on empowering chapters and strengthening the institute from the grassroots.
“I firmly believe that a strong institute is built from the grassroots upward. When our chapters are vibrant, inclusive and empowered, the national body becomes stronger, more relevant and more impactful,” he said.
He noted that efforts would be made to expand the institute’s presence nationwide, particularly in underserved regions, to reflect Nigeria’s diversity and enhance participation.
Adegboye also emphasised capacity building as a critical pillar of his administration.
“Engineering is dynamic, and relevance requires continuous learning. Structured training programmes, mentorship and certifications will equip our members with skills in emerging technologies,” he said.
On collaboration, Adegboye said the institute would deepen engagement with key stakeholders, including the Council for the Regulation of Engineering in Nigeria (COREN), the Nigerian Society of Engineers (NSE), and the Institute of Electrical and Electronics Engineers (IEEE).
He said the administration would also prioritise financial sustainability through transparent digital systems, improved dues collection and diversified revenue sources.
He pledged to deliver legacy projects, including the procurement of an official bus and securing the institute’s landed property.
“Legacy is not measured by duration in office, but by value created for generations to come,” he said.
The NIEEE president further emphasised the importance of visibility and media engagement to amplify the institute’s voice.
He said that his administration would invest in mentoring young engineers and preparing them for future leadership.
Also, the outgoing President, Mr Felix Olu, said that reflecting on his tenure since April 2023, the institute had reasons to be grateful for its achievements.
Olu said the institute successfully consolidated its post-constitution review and official registration processes, while unveiling new volunteers and future leaders, and improving awareness of engineering professionalism.
He noted that many members had the opportunity to serve on various committees and boards, gaining experience, self-discovery and renewed vision.
Olu said that the institute expanded its visibility and strengthened its networks, recording significant growth in membership with over 700 new members, including students and corporate firms.
According to him, the development boosted the institute’s financial base from below N50 million to over N100 million.
He noted that more than 140 members were conferred with the distinguished Fellowship of the institute during the period.
Olu said that chapter activities also improved significantly, with the addition of a new chapter and the revival of inactive ones, while more chapters were in the pipeline.
He said the institute also introduced a digital portal that enabled seamless registration for new members and allowed existing members to manage their obligations online.
According to him, these are in line with the institute’s vision of full digitalisation of membership processes.
“I stand here as a happy man, for the grace of God, the cooperation of NIEEE members and because I have a worthy successor,” he said.
The News Agency of Nigeria reports that other executive members inaugurated were: Mr Anthony Nwogbo, Deputy President; Mr Kazeem Lawal, Executive Secretary; Mr Olalekan Olabode, Vice President (VP), Clean Energy Engineering section and Mrs Atinuke Owolabi, VP, Information and Communication Technology Engineering section.
Others were: Dr Terab Ali, VP Avionic and Space Engineering section; Mr Salami Adesina, VP Instrumentation, Control and Automation Engineering section; Mr Bayo Olusodo, VP Emerging Technologies Engineering section and Mr Felix Olu, Immediate past president.