The Nigerian Society of Engineers (NSE) has advocated for the implementation of Grade Level 09 as an entry point for engineers into government services in states that have not implemented the policy.
The first female president of the NSE, Margaret Oguntala, made the call during her inauguration as the 34th president of the engineering professional body in Abuja.
He also called for policy formulation that compels employers of workers to pay welfare packages/proportionate hazard allowances to engineers.
Mrs Oguntala said promotion would be key among her goals in the next two years as NSE president.
According to her, establishing clear areas of focus is essential to guide collective efforts to achieve your vision.
Mrs. Oguntala unveiled a “strategic agenda” that she said would underpin her mission, a roadmap she called the “Margaret Oguntala Presidential Agenda, or MOPSA.”
“MOPSA is not just a collection of words; is a manifestation of our overall vision which is ‘Rebirth the NSE for the growth, empowerment and advancement of engineering in Nigeria.
“It is a meticulously crafted plan encompassing five key themes, each designed to address crucial aspects of our mission.”
He said the MOPSA document consisted of a strategic agenda, five strategic themes (pillars) and 34 strategic actions.
“The first pillar is membership development; We will focus on upskilling our esteemed members, offering mandatory professional development to keep them at the forefront of knowledge.
“The NSE will actively engage intergovernmental bodies, industries and academia to foster partnerships that drive progress, innovation and knowledge sharing.
“We will collaborate with leading international engineering organizations and foreign missions to gain access to resources and opportunities for our members.”
The NSE chairperson said advancing innovation by establishing new technology-driven engineering innovation centers would also be a key priority during her tenure, among others.
The Senate President, Godswill Akpabio, represented by his deputy, Barau Jubril, said Oguntala had broken the glass ceiling.
“We celebrate the progress our society has made in promoting gender equality and inclusion in the field of engineering.
“Eng. Oguntala’s appointment is a powerful testimony to the fact that talent, dedication and experience know no gender boundaries.
“It is a clear indication that the Nigerian Society of Engineers recognizes and values the contributions of women in shaping the future of engineering; 33 men have come before her, serving as presidents of this great body.
“However, the time has come for the NSE to enter the delivery room and give birth to a new version of itself. And it is logical that a mother, who knows the pains of childbirth, is in charge of this rebirth.
“As we embark on this new chapter under the leadership of Eng. Oguntala, it is crucial that we reflect on the challenges and opportunities that lie ahead.
“However, it is through collective efforts and a shared vision that we can overcome these challenges and pave the way to a better future.”
Akpabio said improving engineering education and training was key to the revival and needed immediate attention.
“We must strive to equip our engineers with the skills and knowledge necessary to compete on a global scale. This can be achieved through partnerships with educational institutions, industry leaders and professional organizations.
“By fostering collaboration and knowledge sharing, we can ensure our engineers have the latest tools and techniques to tackle complex engineering problems.
“As engineers, it is our responsibility to design and implement sustainable solutions that drive economic growth, improve the quality of life of our citizens and create an environment conducive to innovation and entrepreneurship.
“Our engineers are breaking new ground and leading the way in technological innovation.
“The NSE should reach out to Nigerian engineers in the diaspora and urge them to respond to the call of our National Anthem.
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“Let them come home and share their skills with us and contribute their unique perspectives and experiences.”
He said that under the Renewed Hope Agenda, President Bola Tinubu and the 10th assembly were committed to supporting the NSE to give Nigeria a prominent place in the engineering community.
The immediate past president of NSE, Tasiu Gidari-Wudil, said Mrs Oguntala was instrumental to most of the successes during her tenure.
Gidari-Wudil pledged her unconditional support to the first woman president and urged all engineers to give her maximum support.
The highlight of the occasion was the swearing-in of Mrs. Oguntala, which was coordinated by Mr. Gidari-Wudil.
The event was attended by the governors of Oyo, Ogun and Ondo states, some traditional rulers and other international dignitaries, including the president of the World Federation of Engineers.