Engineering academy unveils ex-NCC chair as new president, inducts 12 fellows

The Nigerian Academy of Engineering has inaugurated former Executive Vice-Chairman of the Nigerian Communications Commission, Prof. Umar Danbatta, as its 14th President.

The ceremony, held in Lagos, also featured the induction of 12 new fellows, presentation of Lifetime Achievement Awards and conferment of honorary fellowships.

In a copy of his acceptance speech on Saturday, Danbatta unveiled a four-point agenda focused on policy engagement, academia-industry collaboration, mentorship and strategic partnerships.

He said, “My agenda aligns with the academy’s 2024–2028 Strategic Plan, which seeks to transform engineering education, promote industrialisation, strengthen infrastructure management and advance technical skills development.

“Our academy will deepen engagement with the executive and legislative arms of government to ensure that public policies are driven by sound engineering data, research and innovation.

“It will also champion home-grown technological solutions to address challenges in power supply, broadband expansion, climate change and environmental sustainability.”

He identified the disconnect between academia and industry as a major obstacle to technological advancement and pledged to strengthen partnerships that would equip graduates with practical, entrepreneurial and industry-relevant skills.

The new president further promised to prioritise mentorship and capacity development for young engineers through workshops, conferences, research grants and professional development programmes.

“Our academy would strengthen collaboration with key institutions, including the Nigerian Society of Engineers (NSE), the Council for the Regulation of Engineering in Nigeria (COREN), the National Board for Technical Education (NBTE) and the National Universities Commission (NUC).

“There would also be expanded partnerships with engineering institutions across Africa, Europe and the Americas to promote knowledge exchange and global best practices,” he added.

He urged engineers to move beyond advocacy and contribute practical solutions to Nigeria’s developmental challenges.

Earlier, the immediate past President of the academy, Prof. Rahamon Bello, said the institution had strengthened its role as a strategic adviser on engineering, technology and innovation policies during his tenure.

Bello noted that the academy continued to promote engineering research, capacity development and stakeholder engagement aimed at addressing national development needs.

He urged members to support the new leadership in advancing the academy’s mandate and national relevance.

“You are joining a community of thought leaders and nation-builders. Your expertise is needed now more than ever to support national development and advance the work of the academy,” he said.

Also speaking, the Vice-Chancellor of Bayero University Kano, Prof. Haruna Musa, called on the academy to play a greater role in addressing Nigeria’s development challenges through engineering-driven solutions.

He identified energy security, renewable energy development, transportation modernisation and technology-based security systems as critical areas requiring urgent intervention.

Musa urged the academy to provide evidence-based policy advice, promote innovation and mentor the next generation of engineers.

Speaking on behalf of the newly inducted fellows, Mrs. Aramide Adeyoye, pledged the commitment of the new members to advancing engineering excellence and contributing to national development.

Delivering the academy’s annual lecture, Prof. Emeritus Fola Lasisi called for increased investment in engineering education, research and innovation to accelerate economic growth and industrial development.

Lasisi described engineering as a major driver of modern economies, noting that countries that invested heavily in technology, research and innovation had achieved rapid and sustainable development.

He also urged Nigerian professionals in the diaspora to contribute their expertise towards national development.