Engineers Challenged to Proffer Solutions to Nation’s Problems
The need for Engineers to engage in solution- seeking interactions, aimed at achieving technological innovations has been emphasized as a panacea to eliminating the various challenges confronting the nation and the world at large.
The Rector of the Federal Polytechnic, Ado Ekiti, Dr. Dayo Oladebeye gave the charge while declaring opened a 2 day programme of the 13th Edition of Engineering Forum which has as its theme “Engineering and Technology: Catalyst for National Survival’’ held at the Polytechnic’s Conference Hall on Tuesday, 12th October, 2021.
Dr. Oladebeye stated that the role of Engineering and Technology in the development of a nation cannot be over emphasized as no nation can adequately develop in this global age without the application of scientific knowledge in order to achieve desired goals.
The Rector who was represented by the Deputy Rector Academics, Mr. Olusegun Dada Highlighted some of the challenges bedeviling the country such as insecurity, unemployment, poverty, food scarcity, low industrial output, rising domestic and external debts, among others, and therefore called on Engineers to brainstorm on how to use Engineering and Technology to speed up National survival and development.
Also, see: FRSC to Synergize with Federal Polytechnic, Ado-Ekiti for A Stronger Unit
In his welcome remarks, the Dean School of Engineering, Dr. Emmanuel Adeosun noted that Engineering and Technology has all it takes to provide long lasting solutions to the myriads of problems that seems insurmountable ‘’only if all professionals in the field are ready to deploy to functional use all that Engineering has to offer’’.
Dr. Adeosun said that Engineering and Technological development offers the necessary support for change in all the major sectors of the economy, most especially in the agricultural and industrial sectors, which could be deployed in the area of mechanized farming, post harvest and processing technology and as well as in precision agriculture in order to ensure food security.
He further admonished relevant stakeholders in the nation building project to give proper attention, funding and backing to Engineering and Technology for Engineers to come up with local concepts that can adequately ameliorate the infrastructure deficits rather than copying foreign concepts.
Read: Economic Summit Canvasses Adequate Funding for Polytechnics
Delivering The keynote address, Barr. Dayo Akinlaja (SAN), who was represented by Dr. Samson Joshua stated that governments at all levels need to take drastic measures in funding Engineering and Technology in Nigeria, using potential and intensive utilization of resources.
Barr. Akinlaja noted that the country was lagging behind in availability of adequate infrastructural facilities for her geometrically increasing population, thereby causing tremendous negative effects on its economy. He therefore urged indigenous Engineers to come up with proven solutions by exploiting natural resources that can be efficiently harnessed through Engineering and Technology for national development.
In The Second Keynote address, the founder of a Non- Governmental Organisation, YouCan: Entrepreneurship Development Initiative, Mrs. Helen Oni spoke on “Retooling Engineering and Technology to transform Nigeria into a first world country”, and submitted that Engineering and Technology is the bedrock of modern development, hence the need for Engineers to rise up to their responsibilities by putting into practice what they have learned and come up with proven solutions to the various challenges bedeviling the country.
Mrs. Oni, a Food Scientist and Practical Farming Entrepreneur stated that Engineering and Technology holds the key to the present and future development of the country through adequate health care delivery, renewable energy, agriculture and food security which would in turn tackle insecurity, create jobs, youth empowerment, infrastructure delivery, industrial revolution and wealth creation amongst others.
She however charged government to adopt the German model of education and training, which had been proven to have the most impressive record of maintaining one of the lowest unemployment rate in the world.
The Lead Paper Presenter, Engr. Joseph Adam opined that Engineering and Technology is considered as the vehicle for social development, applied to solve problems and to ensure the economic growth of a nation.
Engr. Adam who was the former head of Civil Engineering Department in the Polytechnic said that with the increasing population, Engineering and Technology must endeavour to grow with the society through the expansion of frontiers of digital technology, further improvement in the way of doing things and the use of internet in developing practical solutions to problems.
He stated that the Economic inequality is caused by the wide gap between the developed and less developed countries, noting according to statistics “that out of 195 nations in the world, 43 countries are considered as developed, 47 less developed while 105 are still at the developing stage’’.
Read: Rector Charges Students To Take SIWES Seriously
Engr. Adam called for an awakening of the consciousness of nations that are yet to develop to challenge themselves, and take a cue from the experience of the developed countries.
In his remarks, the Chairman of the occasion, Dr. Rasheed Adebimpe gave kudos to the speakers and presenter for doing justice to the topic at a time as this when the country is going through so much to survive.
Engr. Adebimpe who noted that it takes confident and happy people to make things happen, charged participants to find happiness at what they do and garner high level of knowledge in order to contribute immensely to the development of the country.
In his remarks, Engr. Michael Akinola thanked the speakers for coming up with such profound lectures, which will serve as an eye opener to the participants. He urged everyone of them to avail themselves of the knowledge gained in order to rescue the country from the untold hardship it has currently plunged into.
Also, see: Stakeholders Advocate Improved Funding for Polytechnic Education
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