Abuja: Mr Ohida Maiyaki, Chairman of the Nigerian Institute of Electrical and Electronic Engineers (NIEEE), Abuja Chapter, has unveiled a comprehensive strategy aimed at equipping young engineers to address Nigeria’s persistent power challenges. Maiyaki disclosed this during his inauguration as the 10th Chairman of the NIEEE Abuja Chapter.
According to News Agency of Nigeria, the inauguration ceremony had the theme: ‘The Role of Electrical Engineers in Building a Vibrant Economy.’ Maiyaki stated that his administration would prioritise capacity development, noting that the complexity of Nigeria’s electricity sector required a new generation of well-trained and industry-ready professionals. A detailed training programme has been developed to bridge existing knowledge gaps and align engineering competencies with real-world demands in the power sector.
The capacity-building initiatives will be aligned with industry needs and tailored towards addressing the socio-economic challenges facing the nation, particularly in the power sector. Planned training areas include solar photovoltaic (PV) design and installation, MATLAB/Simulink applications from beginner to advanced levels, and electrical services design using AutoCAD. Other areas include low- and medium-voltage power practice, earthing and lightning protection systems, and energy audit.
Maiyaki mentioned that the chapter would promote continuous learning through monthly technical paper presentations and quarterly webinars. Efforts are underway to secure free and subsidised training opportunities for younger engineers, while enabling experienced professionals to remain updated on emerging industry trends.
The chairman reiterated his commitment to repositioning the Abuja Chapter under his ‘Make Abuja Chapter Great Again’ vision, with a focus on increased participation, technical contributions, and professional excellence. Recognising the link between skills and employment, Maiyaki disclosed that the chapter would also facilitate job placement opportunities for qualified members to empower engineers economically and strengthen their contributions to national development.
Further, Maiyaki stated that the chapter had commenced engagements with institutions such as Nile University and Baze University to bridge the gap between academia and industry through mentorship, industrial training, and collaborative research. The initiatives aim to introduce students to emerging technologies, engage National Youth Service Corps members, and organise career day visits to secondary schools to stimulate interest in engineering careers.
The chairman expressed gratitude to members, family, and friends for the opportunity to serve and appreciated the Abuja Chapter for its support. In a keynote address, the Guest Speaker, Mr Dayo Olugboye, Chief Executive Officer of Daylad Consult Ltd., highlighted the critical role of electricity in economic growth and national development, calling for renewed investment in the power sector.
Olugboye stated that no nation could achieve meaningful development without reliable electricity, describing power supply as the backbone of industrialisation, innovation, and improved quality of life. He emphasised the strategic position of electrical engineers in bridging infrastructure gaps through expertise in power systems, telecommunications, and control technologies, and called for policies promoting local production, reducing reliance on imports, and creating an enabling environment for investors.
Mr Felix Adegboye, the 22nd President of NIEEE, congratulated Maiyaki on his emergence as the 10th Chairman of the Abuja Chapter. He noted that leadership within professional bodies required sacrifice, vision, and resilience, and commended Maiyaki’s track record in elevating the chapter’s relevance and impact.
Earlier, the outgoing Chairman, Mr Ayila Cletus, remarked on his administration’s focus on strengthening the chapter’s activities and improving members’ participation. He urged the new leadership to consolidate on the achievements recorded, describing leadership as both a privilege and a responsibility, and emphasising the need for vision, dedication, and service. Cletus encouraged members of the Abuja Chapter to support the new leadership, noting that unity, shared vision, and collective effort were essential to achieving future milestones.