Minister of Niger Delta Affairs, Senator Godswill Akpabio, has said exposure and constant training of Nigerian Engineers would make them compete with their counterparts all over the world.
He said this when National President of Nigerian Society of Engineers (NSE), Engineer Tasiu Sa’ad Gidari-Wudil and chairman of Bwari Branch, Engineer (Dr) Halimat Adediran, paid him a courtesy visit in Abuja.
The minister spoke after he was formally presented with an invite as the Distinguished Guest of Honour at the 2022 Annual Public Lecture of the NSE by the national president.
Akpabio, in a release by his media aide, Jackson Udom, said: “Anybody that wishes to practice engineering must also be ready to attend international trainings for exposure for practical experience.
“It shouldn’t just be theoretical training. There must also be practical exposure to the rudiments of engineering for optimal and effective performance as an all round engineer.”
Akpabio, who is a fellow of the Society, said: “Our young engineers, after acquiring certificates, need continuous training and re-training. They should be constantly talked to.
“Nobody can joke with the engineering profession because it affects lives. It is a profession that permeates every facet of our lives, be it ICT, medical, aviation and what have you.
“Nigerian engineers must be challenged to bring out the best from them. They must bring out innovations and initiatives. Let them produce something out of nothing.
“I look forward to a day when we will have an entirely Nigerian construction company like the Julius Berger, the CCECC of this world. We must insist on technology transfer for national development.
“Practical training should be introduced as part of their training. We must also train our engineers to be employers of labour after graduation.
“I was made a Fellow of the NSE because of the infrastructural renaissance that took place during my administration as the governor of Akwa Ibom State from 2007-2015.
“I engaged the best construction company like JB, CCECC, Setraco, Mothercat, in addition to the engagement of over 17 local contractors in the spirit of local content.”
In his remarks, the NSE National President, Gidari-Wudil, lauded Akpabio for his achievements in public offices as governor, senator and now a minister.
He said: “Nigeria needs committed leaders like you to move this country forward. You did a lot as the governor of your state.
“You did your best for the country as a senator and now you are doing a great job for the Niger Delta Region, through development and maintenance of peace.
“We cannot have a committed and result-oriented leadership without development. Professionals are needed in all human endeavors to move the country forward.
“This year’s lecture has to do with gas and, as somebody whose ministry has a lot to do with the region that produces gas in large quantum, it is imperative that we get you deeply involved in this discussions.
“From what you have said so far, it shows that you have the progress and development of Nigerian young engineers at heart.
“Plans are in the pipeline to establish technology hub where young engineers will come with their ideas, develop their prototype and try and sell in order to earn revenue.
“We will work with government agencies. We have been advised to engage the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN), because they have funds set aside for the development of technology. We can latch onto that and get the young engineers engaged.”
