Civil engineer and Federal Controller of Works in Lagos State, Mrs Olukorede Kesha, has charged fresh graduates of the Faculty of Engineering to fully embrace the virtue of patience as they practice the engineering profession.
This formed part of her goodwill message at the Graduate Induction Ceremony organised by the Nigerian Society of Engineering (NSE) in collaboration with the Faculty of Engineering on Monday, January 15, 2024 at the Main Auditorium, Oyebolu Engineering Resource Centre, Works & Physical Planning Department, UNILAG.
While urging the fresh graduates to seek and acquire expertise, rather than money, Mrs. Kesha explained that a strong foundation in the engineering profession would surely lead to wealth. Reminiscing on her journey towards becoming a civil engineer, the UNILAG alumna, heartily appreciated her late father for forcing her to study civil engineering. She noted that civil engineering is profitable and if the graduates keep at the engineering profession, they would end in greatness at the end of the day.
Speaking on the theme, The Role of Engineers in Politics and Nation Building, the Chairman, University of Lagos Faculty of Engineering Alumni Association (UNILAGFEAA) and Managing Director, Krestal Laurel, Engr. Dipeolu Falobi, FNSE, highlighted the attributes of engineers, and the importance of problem-solving & analytical thinking skills, among other skills, to assessing and tackling issues.
The Guest Lecturer shared several ways engineers contribute to nation-building through the development and maintenance of critical infrastructure; creation of the foundation for a thriving nation; smart city initiatives; sustainable development projects, disaster resilience planning; technological innovation(healthcare, communication, agriculture); community outreach and education initiatives; and inspiring the next generation of Engineers and STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics) professionals.
He emphasized the need for engineering graduates, and all Nigerian Engineers to register in political parties, be active in those parties, volunteer and accept responsibility for their actions.
The Dean, Faculty of Engineering, Prof. Obanishola Sadiq, in his opening remarks, appreciated the various committees for making the programme a success. He urged the graduates to “take hold of the future which is right in front of them, seeing as they have been well-equipped for what it holds”. He disclosed that five hundred and seven (507) engineering students would be admitted into their first degrees at the University of Lagos 54th Convocation Ceremonies on Wednesday, January 17, 2024. He further explained that out of this figure, forty-seven (47) fresh graduates finished with first-class honours.
In his address, the Chairman of the NSE Lagos Branch, Engr. Adekunle Bello, FNSE, welcomed all to the first Induction Ceremony of the Nigerian Society of Engineers. He congratulated and wished all the graduating students success in their future endeavors.
The President of the Nigerian Society of Engineers and first President of the Association, Engr. Margaret Oguntala, FNSE, ably represented by the Vice-President, Engr. (Dr.) Felicia Agubata, in her remarks, wished the graduating students success in their future endeavours, noting that “no one can limit you except yourself”. Engr, Agubata disclosed that the NSE would present an award of fifty thousand naira (N50,000) to the Overall Best Graduating Student, who doubled as the Best in Engineering, David Akanmu from the Department of Civil Engineering. She added that a sum of thirty thousand (N30,000) would also be presented to the Best Female Engineering Graduate, Bukunmi Shonde from the Department of Mechanical Engineering.
The induction of the graduating students into the Nigerian Society of Engineers and the UNILAGFEAA by the respective Presidents formed the climax of the Ceremony.
Report: Ndidi J. Odinikaeze
Photography: Ayo Oloyede and Ndidi J. Odinikaeze
