By Correspondent in Ilorin.
“Nigeria’s ambition to become an industrialized nation is dependent on creative designers who can come up with new products, new concepts, innovative ideas that prove to be game changer.”
The National Chairman, Nigerian Institution of Mechanical Engineers,
Mrs Funmilade Akingbagbohu stated this in Ilorim at the Closing Ceremony of one week CAD Training and Development of Design Concept for Kwara Youths, organized by the Nigerian Institution of Mechanical Engineers.
Mrs Akingbagbohu noted that design engineers had been trained to identify complex design problems, conduct root-cause failure analyses and anticipate production issues, develop innovative design solutions, evaluate options, conduct tests, and implement solutions to meet timing, product cost and reliability targets.
She said:”Engineering is a practical course. the demand for engineers come with demand for their ability to showcase their potential.
“Many young engineers have graduated but do not have the skill or experience to compete in a system where experience is becoming the reason for their inability to break through.
“I am using this moment to implore Kwara State Government and parastatals to begin to give more young engineers opportunity to have internship at the Specialist MDAs and partnering private sector.
” Such internship can open a window of opportunities for many young engineers of Kwara Origin to acquire experience. The best performers among them can be retained to motivate the future participants. The economic impact of such approach to youth development is immeasurable.
The chairman called on elders at Nigerian Society of Engineers and Nigerian Institution of Mechanical Engineers and other Divisions to put a process in motion to make her suggestion work.
“Let us revive the pupillage. Even if you will not employ them after their internship, the experience acquired will be a gateway for many of them to find job opportunities in other industries.” she added.
Mrs Akingbagbohu also urged the participants to key to what they had been taught, reminding them that “the world is now on your palm, go and practice and become a master in the art.
” Do more with what you have been taught, expand your horizon and keep learning to stay abreast of the industry trend.”
The chairman advised engineers to develop additional skills outside their technical knowledge to be great in their chosen career.
” Nurture and develop your creativity in solving problems. Expand your analytical thinking capability. Have a habit of paying attention to details. Nurture time management skill and most importantly, learn to tap into power of teamwork. Do not forget to attend professional gatherings to build your network,she further urged.
“No matter what your current position, look out for opportunity and be prepared to grab it with two hands when it shows up at your door,”she further advised.
The sponsor of the event,Engr. Sulaiman Rotimi Iliasu, the Kwara State Commissioner for Works and transportation, stressed the need to equip members, young and old with skills needed for them to elevate their status as professionals
He promised that the state government would continue to champion the course their course in the state and urged the participants to make good use of what they have been taught and be a good ambassador
Some of the beneficiaries expressed gratitude to the organisers for the skills they had acquired and pleadge to make good use of it.
Edited by Dada Ahmed.
