ENGINEERS URGE FG TO FUND MODERN LEARNING FACILITIES

The Nigerian Society of Engineers (NSE) has called on the Federal Government to prioritise funding for modern learning facilities in engineering and technical education institutions across the country.

The President of the NSE, Engr. Tasiu Gidari-Wudil, made the appeal on Friday during the society’s annual conference in Abuja. He emphasised that outdated infrastructure and lack of modern equipment are hindering the quality of engineering education and the development of skilled manpower needed for national growth.

“Engineering education in Nigeria is facing significant challenges due to inadequate funding for modern laboratories, workshops, and learning tools. We urge the Federal Government to invest heavily in upgrading our institutions to produce world-class engineers,” Gidari-Wudil stated.

The NSE president highlighted the critical role of engineers in infrastructure development, innovation, and economic diversification. He said that without modern facilities, Nigerian graduates may struggle to compete globally and contribute effectively to national development.

The society proposed a comprehensive national engineering education transformation plan that includes the establishment of technology hubs, provision of advanced simulation tools, and regular curriculum review to align with current industry needs.

The Minister of Education, Prof. Tunji Alausa, who was represented at the conference, assured the engineers of the government’s commitment to improving the education sector. He said the Renewed Hope Agenda prioritises human capital development and that adequate resources will be allocated to upgrade learning facilities.

Stakeholders at the conference agreed that investing in modern engineering education is essential for achieving Nigeria’s industrialisation goals and addressing the skills gap in critical sectors. They called for increased collaboration between government, academia, and industry to ensure the relevance and quality of engineering training.

The Nigerian Society of Engineers pledged to continue advocating for better funding and policies that will strengthen the engineering profession and support national development.