Engineering professionals and academics in Nigeria have been urged to embrace digital transformation and artificial intelligence to reposition the profession for global relevance and sustainable development.
A Professor of Industrial and Production Engineering at the Federal University of Technology Akure, Prof. Christianah Olakitan Ijagbemi, made the call in Abeokuta during the annual lecture and induction of new corporate members of the Nigerian Society of Engineers, Abeokuta branch.
Speaking on the theme, “Repositioning Nigeria’s Engineering Education, Digital Practice and Talent for a Sustainable Future,” Ijagbemi said the integration of digital tools into engineering education and practice was no longer optional but imperative.
She stressed that engineers must strengthen their technical capacity by leveraging digital applications and artificial intelligence to anticipate future challenges and provide innovative solutions.
According to her, the persistent complaints from industry players about the competence of young engineers stem largely from obsolete curricula and inadequate exposure to practical tools in higher institutions.
“Many professionals are still dwelling in the past. They teach students an obsolete curriculum in schools, which is responsible for industry complaints because most of our young engineers are not meeting the demands of the industry,” she said.
Ijagbemi blamed low productivity among young engineers on insufficient practical training and weak collaboration between universities and industry, urging a research-driven curriculum that responds directly to real sector challenges.
She advocated stronger synergy between tertiary institutions and engineering firms, suggesting that industry problems should be converted into research projects within universities
“We need a synergy between the industry and institutions in bringing their problems to the universities and making them research-based. Government must also support policies that encourage such collaboration,” she said.
The professor further proposed that university lecturers undertake sabbaticals in relevant industries rather than in other academic institutions to gain exposure to current tools and real-world challenges.
She called on government to invest in facilities that would enable institutions to teach artificial intelligence and digital engineering effectively, warning that without such support, Nigerian graduates may struggle to compete globally.
Ijagbemi also recommended early introduction of programming, data analysis and digital modelling into core engineering courses, insisting that digital fluency should be treated as professional literacy rather than a specialised skill.
She urged faculties of engineering to redesign the Students Industrial Work Experience Scheme with measurable learning outcomes, expand project-based learning with active industry participation and adopt co-teaching models involving practitioners.
“Universities should not simulate practice; they must interface with it,” she added.
In his remarks, Ogun State Commissioner for Forestry, Engr. Taiwo Oludotun, congratulated the inductees and called for greater participation of women in engineering.
He described the induction as a professional calling and challenged young engineers to prioritise practical engagement over the quest for immediate employment.
“Most people come out of school with mainly theoretical knowledge and little practical experience. Beyond seeking paid employment, young engineers must practice their profession. It makes them self-employed and self-fulfilling,” he said.
Earlier, Chairman of NSE Abeokuta branch, Engr. Olumayowa Idowu, said the induction ceremony symbolised growth and renewal of commitment to engineering service.
According to him, the inauguration of new executives reflected trust and responsibility, while the annual lecture underscored the need for engineering to adapt continuously to national and global realities.
A total of 52 new corporate members were inducted into the NSE Abeokuta branch at the event, which also featured award presentations to distinguished professionals.
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