By Noah Ocheni, Lokoja
The former registrar of council for the regulation of Engineering in Nigeria (COREN), Engr. Dr. Felix Atume on Tuesday in Lokoja tasked federal government to develop a political will to challenge the Nigerian engineers in the development of the country.
Dr. Atume gave the charge today at the annual memorial lecture series in honour of Late Engr. Dr. Joseph Makoju held at the Federal University Lokoja, titled “The challenges of Infrastructure development in Nigeria – The need for adequate Engineering capacity”
The lecturer pointed out that the development of adequate Engineering capacity in any country depends largely on the political will of the government especially the willingness to challenge the citizenry with tasks which they never attempted before.
“A situation where Nigerian engineers and other professionals are spectators while foreigners carry out the development of infrastructure facilities portend great danger of unemployment, restive youths, violence and insecurity in the society.”
Atume who pointed out that Engineering capacity requires sound theoretical knowledge with actual exposure on the job enjoined Nigeria government to make efforts to utilise it’s human and material resources for development.
Dr. Atume disclosed that infrastructure provides the basis for the development of any Nation adding that the quality of a Nation’s infrastructure is a critical index of its economic viability.
The Lecturer who dwelled on the transportation sector said ” It has been established that the financial problem of roads is unlikely to be solved without a strong road user support.and efficient use of resources.”
He said the proposed reform in the transportation sector has the potential to stimulate the economy of the country in many ways especially employment opportunities, the building of a robust indigenous engineering capacity and envisaged enhancement of the quality of service to be delivered.
The Lecturer therefore stressed the need for a paradigm shift to involve the private sector in the provision of infrastructure through the Public Private Partnership,(PPP).
Earlier in his opening remarks, the Vice Chancellor of the university, Prof. Olayemi Akinwumi said the purpose of the memorial lecture was not only for remembrance but to re-energize the engineering sector for nation building.
In her remarks, Mrs. Gladys Makoju, the wife of late Engr, Dr. Makoju appreciated the guest lecturer for for the good research work.
Mrs. Makoju who promised to build a lecture theatre hall and scholarship for engineering students in the University also appreciated well-wishers and children for a joint efforts towards the foundation.
