Prof. Taye Stephen-Mogaji, of the Mechanical Engineering Department, Federal University of Technology, Akure (FUTA), has charged engineering graduates to harness technology and Artificial Intelligence (AI) in solving Nigeria’s infrastructural challenges.
Stephen-Mogaji gave this charge during the induction of new engineering graduates of Olusegun Agagu University of Science and Technology (OAUSTECH), Okitipupa, Ondo State, into the Nigerian Society of Engineers (NSE).
The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that NSE inducted 220 fresh engineers which comprised 84 from Civil Engineering, 59 from Mechanical Engineering and 77 from Electrical/Electronics among 1,452 who graduated on Wednesday.
Stephen-Mogaji, a guest speaker at the ceremony, said that engineering was a bedrock of sustainable national development through the practical application of science, mathematics, and creativity to design, build, and maintain structures, machines, systems, and processes.
Speaking on the topic: “Harnessing Emerging Technologies for Sustainable National Development: The Role of Young Engineers”, he charged the engineers to change the narratives of several challenges in the county through professionalism.
The don also urged the Federal Government to always engage professionals in infrastructural development and properly fund universities to produce more engineers in order to bridge the gap between quacks and professionals.
According to him, the young engineers must harness emerging technologies which encompass AI which can be applicable in solving tasks and to increase production, and Domestic Gross Product (GDP) of the country.
“The young engineers have been taught with various tutorials and practical skills which has equip them, they need to go out there and do great exploits by solving myriads of infrastructural challenges of our country.
“I also appeal to government to properly fund universities to produce more engineers and engage professionals in order to bridge the gap between professionals and quacks to arrest infrastructural challenges,” he said.
Similarly, Engr. Oluwaseun Adeyeye, Chairman, NSE, Akure chapter, urged the young engineers not to stop learning, saying that engineering field was constantly evolving and it’s essential was to stay updated with the latest technologies, trends and best practices.
He also urged them to engage in collaboration and networking, which are vital in the profession, adding that engineers often work as teams and collaborate with other professionals to achieve common goals.
“As engineers, we have responsibilities to uphold highest standards of ethics and integrity, we must ensure that our work is guided by principles of safety, sustainability and social responsibility,” Adeyeye said.
Earlier, Prof. Isaac Olaniyan, Dean, School of Engineering and Engineering Technology, OAUSTECH, thanked parents of the young engineers for their sacrifices and unwavering supports for their wards.
“We are living in an era defined by rapid technological evolution, especially as we transit from 4IR to 5IR which are AI, robotics, Internet of Things (IoT), renewable energies, Building Information Systems (BIM) among others.
“Nations that have developed economically invested heavily in innovation and engineering excellence through deliberate and strategic engagement of young professionals,” Olaniyan said.
Prof. Temi Ologunorisa, Vice-Chancellor, OAUSTECH, who also congratulated the young engineers, urged them to do great exploits by applying what has been inculcated in them by the institution.
Ologunorisa, represented by Prof. Foluso Adetuyi, Deputy Vice-Chancellor (Academics), also urged the young engineers not to rest on their oars, but collaborate and network in order to bring great solution to the society.
Highlight of the induction was the award giving to the best graduating students of the three departments, as scholars, lecturers, students, parents and the public graced the occasion. (NAN)
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