THE ROLES OF ELECTRICAL & MECHANICAL ENGINEERS IN THE TRANSFORMATION OF THE NIGERIAN SOCIETY

THE ROLES OF ELECTRICAL & MECHANICAL ENGINEERS IN THE TRANSFORMATION OF THE NIGERIAN SOCIETY

 President Barrack Obama of the United States of America in his famous book “ Audacity of Hope “ expressed a strong need for engineers in his country when he said “ I wish the country (America) had fewer lawyers and more engineers”; and sincerely if one looks critically at the world today, America ranks as the biggest super-power in the world.

This implies that if a highly technologically advanced economy like the USA recognizes the strong need of engineers in the socio-economic growth then a developing nation like Nigeria needs to take a strategic look at Engineering.  But firstly, what is engineering and what does the transformation agenda entails?

According to Webster’s dictionary, engineering, basically means the application of the knowledge (ingenuity) of natural sciences and mathematics in providing solution to man’s needs. These needs include food, shelter, water supply, light, communication, transportation (air, land & sea), health, and environmental protection. An engineer is described as an “expert” in the design and construction of engines, machines and electrical equipment, civil works (roads, bridges, etc). He applies the knowledge of the properties of matter and the natural resources of energy to the practical problems of industry, while providing solution to man’s needs. He looks at options with a view to optimizing resources in a safe sustainable manner; this is diametrically opposed to the politician.

On the other hand, the transformation agenda of the present administration though in its definitive stage is anchored two digits economic growth rate; increase and stabilization of electrical power supply that will lead to food security, reduced un-employment and youth empowerment; fast-tracking provision of infrastructure facilities and the attainment of MDGs objective among others. The Transformation Agenda is to replicate those successfully accomplished by nations like Brazil, China, South Korea, Japan, Singapore etc. These nations are now technologically advanced with positive effects on their economy; as they have strategically positioned engineering practices. For the Transformation Agenda to be successful within the medium term expenditure framework, then the three tiers of government must ensure the following:

1.   Conscientious policies to ensure the training and re-training of engineers in practical skills and modern technological trends for national development are put in place at affordable charges.

2.   Competent local engineers are given engineering jobs to further the growth of their companies to enhance their professional profile. The Local Content Act must be strictly enforced across the board.

3.    Engineers are actively involved in the process of policy drafting and decision-making with respect to engineering projects across board.

In the same vein, engineering professional bodies such as COREN and NSE must ensure that professional ethics and standards are always adhered to by engineers in the discharge of their duties. More specifically for the present transformation agenda to be successful, mechanical and electrical engineers who are actively involved in the design, fabrication and operations of machines and engines need:

1.   Be trained and re-trained in the modern trends of design, fabrication, manufacturing as well as in the operation of machines and engines.

2. Be aware of standards and codes all across the world to ensure smoother technological transfer.

3.    Be well versed in the use of information and communication technology tools.

4.   Actively involved in research, development and innovation activities.

5.   Make bold steps in tendering for engineering jobs which are hitherto  given to the non-technical people

6.  Make bold steps in the production of standard but made-in-Nigeria goods and service.   

The Electrical and Mechanical Engineers have important roles to play in the Transformation Agenda of the present administration. These include the following:

a.      The Standardization of Engineering Practices to ensure safety and reliability of works.

b.      Adoption of suitable maintenance culture that will guarantee the availability of            equipment/facilities for an increased productivity.

c.       Creation of job opportunities for artisans and technicians.

d.      Liaising with government agencies such as Standard Organization of Nigeria (SON)     to ensure that sub-standard goods are not imported into the country.

e.      The design, construction and maintenance of simple water supply schemes, hand-          pumps, and electro-mechanical devices as to save costs.

f.     The engineers should be involved in the rehabilitation of moribund industries, such as refineries, steel industries, fertilizer plants, etc to reduce cost of bringing foreign engineers.

g.   Our Electrical and Mechanical Engineers should play leading roles in carrying out technical auditing of moribund industries marked for privatization and monitoring to ensure government objectives are attained.

h.  The engineers should advise the government on cost-saving options in projects conception and implementations.