President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has unveiled the National Engineering and Innovation Fund, an initiative aimed at driving engineering innovation and tackling critical national challenges.
Abuja, Nigeria– Announced at the 2024 International Engineering Conference hosted by the Nigerian Society of Engineers (NSE) in Abuja, the fund is set to provide grants and resources to engineers and technologists working on solutions tailored to Nigeria’s needs. The conference, themed “Sustainable Engineering Solutions to Food Security and Climate Change,” underscored the urgency of innovative approaches in solving these pressing issues.
The National Engineering and Innovation Fund is designed to bolster Nigeria’s engineering sector by supporting local innovations, fostering entrepreneurship, and enhancing regulatory standards. In his address, President Tinubu emphasized the pivotal role of engineers in nation-building and their contributions to infrastructure development.
“I am proud to announce the establishment of the National Engineering and Innovation Fund. A new initiative designed to provide grants and resources to engineers and technologists working on solutions for Nigeria’s unique challenges,” Tinubu stated.
Empowering Engineers and Innovators
President Tinubu called for collaboration between educational institutions, the private sector, and government bodies to improve engineering training and education. He stressed that equipping young engineers with practical skills is crucial for addressing future challenges.
“Through partnership with educational institutions and private sector stakeholders, we are working to enhance technical training programs, improve engineering curriculum, and provide hands-on experience that prepares the next generation for the challenges of tomorrow,” Tinubu said.
The conference’s theme highlighted two critical challenges facing Nigeria: food security and climate change. Senator Abubakar Kyari, Minister of Agriculture and Food Security, emphasized the need for climate-smart engineering solutions to mitigate the impact of climate change on food production.
Kyari urged engineers to develop cost-effective and adaptable machinery tailored to Nigeria’s agricultural needs. “Engineers must work on affordable, adaptable machinery suited to Nigerian crops and terrains, encouraging mechanized farming to increase efficiency and productivity,” he stated.
Nigerian Society of Engineers’ Support
The NSE, led by its President, Engr. Margaret Oguntala, welcomed the establishment of the National Engineering and Innovation Fund. Oguntala reaffirmed the role of engineers as problem solvers and innovators in addressing food insecurity and climate change.
“The twin challenges of food security and climate change are not just theoretical—they are issues that define the survival and progress of our nation today,” Oguntala said. She highlighted NSE’s ongoing efforts to empower young engineers through training in emerging fields such as data analytics, renewable energy, and smart farming technologies.
Borno State Governor Babagana Zulum, speaking at the event, called for leadership models that prioritize engineering-driven solutions for sustainable development. He urged engineers to leverage their expertise in addressing Nigeria’s development challenges.
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