2021 Ikeja NSE Week: Fayomi identifies factors against integrated engineering development in Nigeria

Dean of Engineering, College of Engineering, Bells University of Technology Ota, Ogun State Nigeria, Professor Ojo Sunday Fayomi, has identified some factors militating against integrated engineering from being a catalyst for home grown industrial revolution in Nigeria.

Speaking as one of the Special Guest Speakers at the Nigeria Society Of Engineers (NSE) Ikeja Branch 2021 Engineering Week recently in Lagos,. Professor Fayomi, said the factors included: Poor Leadership;   Political and Industrial Corruption; Lack of Political Will; and Political Instability.

Others are National Insecurity; Globalization: Scarce funding and Infrastructural Facilities and Deficiency of continuity in commitment to policy implementation.

Professor Fayomi, who spoke on “Integrated Engineering development as a catalyst for home-grown industrial revolution”, said ineffective planning, poor decision making and weak implementation of policies favouring integrated engineering and local industries from the government “is the chief hindrance to the development”.

Stating that it is quite obvious that corruption among individuals in political offices and Industry executives repel and prevents the revolution, Fayomi stated: “Apathy on the part of political leaders towards the development of Integrated Engineering also creates a barrier.

“It is no news that continuous changes in government, especially in a democratic system of government like ours, creates a friction with industrial policies Security is a major concern and hindrance; the availability and ease of importation of Technology, creates a huge blockage in the creation, nurturing and development of local content in the country”, the don added.

Stressing, however, that every stakeholder has a role to play, the Dean stated that “from statistics, Africa and especially Nigeria missed out on the First to Third Industrial Revolution and do not appear ready for the Fourth from all signs. Universities have to play an essential function in providing integrated engineering graduates who would lead during this era”.

“Therefore, one of the sole government responsibilities is to develop intentional policies that will drive needed changes in the industrial sector.

Professor Fayomi pointed out that there is need for improvement and synergistic collaboration if we so desire from educational sector to industry giant to achieve a common goal of home grown industries. To achieve integrated engineering development in Nigeria.

He had earlier stated that Integrated Engineering is a multi-disciplinary, design-project-based engineering program created to meet the demand for engineers skilled in various disciplines, combining aspects from traditional engineering studies and liberal arts.

Speaking further the don said: “Integrated engineers see the world differently. Rather than focusing on one aspect of a problem, they understand the big picture. This requires not only a strong technical foundation across multiple areas of science and engineering but also an understanding of the profound impact engineers have on society”.

He reiterated that the future of industries relies on how the engineers meet the demand of their skills in various disciplines, combining aspects from traditional engineering studies and applied research.

“We are complex problem solvers and solution-oriented individuals and we must think as such. Only with this will we bring a revolution in our industries. Without doubt, engineering workforce has to get used to the main activities of practicing engineers which are, design and problem-solving, and they should learn how to learn. This is a concept of integrated engineering”, the Professor stressed.

According to him, the engineers’ desire is to see that industries in Nigeria move to a greater height and provide the necessary empowerment they ought to give to society, adding that “Workplace and the nature of work are changing very fast and that engineers must be equipped, prepared, and well-furnished to adapt in order that society receives maximum benefit from their training and for the sake of their careers”.

For a better society