Lagos: The Nigerian Academy of Engineering (NAE) has inaugurated former Executive Vice-Chairman of the Nigerian Communications Commission (NCC), Prof. Umar Danbatta, as its 14th President. The investiture, held in Lagos, also featured the induction of 12 new fellows, presentation of Lifetime Achievement Awards, and conferment of honorary fellowships.
According to News Agency of Nigeria, in his acceptance speech, Danbatta unveiled a four-point agenda centred on policy engagement, academia-industry collaboration, mentorship, and strategic partnerships. He mentioned that the agenda aligns with the institute’s 2024-2028 Strategic Plan aimed at transforming engineering education, promoting industrialisation, strengthening infrastructure management, and advancing technical skills development.
Danbatta emphasized the importance of deepening engagement with the executive and legislative arms of the government to ensure policies are guided by sound engineering data, research, and innovation. He stated that the institute would 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 also promised to prioritise mentorship and capacity development for young engineers through workshops, conferences, research grants, and professional development programmes.
Danbatta revealed plans to strengthen collaboration with key institutions, including the Nigerian Society of Engineers (NSE), Council for the Regulation of Engineering in Nigeria (COREN), National Board for Technical Education (NBTE), and National Universities Commission (NUC). Additionally, he announced the institute’s intention to expand partnerships with engineering institutions across Africa, Europe, and the Americas to promote knowledge exchange and global best practices.
Earlier, the outgoing President of the Academy, Prof. Rahamon Bello, highlighted the institute’s strengthened role as a strategic adviser on engineering, technology, and innovation policies during his tenure. Bello urged members to support the new leadership in advancing the academy’s mandate and national relevance.
Addressing the newly inducted fellows, Bello recognized their professional accomplishments and contributions to engineering development. Prof. Haruna Musa, Vice-Chancellor of Bayero University, Kano, urged the institute to address Nigeria’s development challenges through engineering-driven solutions, identifying critical areas requiring urgent intervention.
Speaking on behalf of the newly inducted fellows, Mrs. Aramide Adeyoye pledged their commitment to advancing engineering excellence and contributing to national development. Delivering the academy’s annual lecture, Prof. Emeritus Fola Lasisi urged Nigeria to increase investment in engineering education, research, and innovation to accelerate economic growth and industrial development.
The event concluded with the induction of 12 new fellows and the honouring of 10 distinguished members with Lifetime Achievement Awards in recognition of their contributions to engineering and national development.