FCTA Director Tasks NATE Fellows on Stronger Policy Role, Engineering Standards and National Technological Growth

By our Correspondent

The Director of Science, Technology and Innovation at the Federal Capital Territory Administration (FCTA), Technologist Kolawole Olabashola, has urged the Nigerian Association of Technologists in Engineering (NATE) to adopt a more strategic approach in shaping national policy, strengthening regulatory frameworks, and enhancing Nigeria’s technological competitiveness.

Speaking at the inaugural NATE College of Fellows Dinner Night in Abuja, Olabashola stressed that Nigeria cannot continue its development journey without placing engineering technology at the core of public policy and national planning.

He emphasized that NATE’s College of Fellows must evolve from being a ceremonial body to becoming “a strong think-tank capable of influencing government decisions on infrastructure, innovation, technical education, and engineering standards.”

Olabashola, who commended the association for what he described as its consistent support, recounted how colleagues encouraged him into the fellowship. He noted, however, that fellowship carries responsibilities far beyond titles and prestige.

“Fellowship is not a badge; it is a responsibility. It demands higher commitment, continuous professional development, strong ethical standards, and the capacity to influence policy for the good of the country,” he stated.

The Director pointed out that Nigeria is currently grappling with a skills deficit in key engineering technology fields. He called on senior professionals to bridge the gap through mentorship, knowledge transfer, and active involvement in national development initiatives.

He urged the College of Fellows to establish policy advisory committees, set up research working groups, and expand NATE’s visibility within the FCT and across the country.

Olabashola disclosed that many technologists under his supervision have been encouraged to join NATE and pursue fellowship, stressing that “no nation develops beyond its investment in science, technology, and engineering manpower.”

In his remarks, the Chairman of the NATE Abuja Branch, Mr. Abraham Okpani, reaffirmed the branch’s resolve to strengthen professional standards. He noted that membership under his leadership had grown from zero to 141 fully updated technologists, making the branch one of the most vibrant in the country.

He explained that Abuja technologists now participate in key decision-making bodies such as the FCDA Development Control, the Building Committee, and the NATE Way Forward Committee—platforms critical for influencing policy.

Okpani announced that 15 fellows were inducted during his tenure and that the branch had secured a strategic office location. He appealed to members to support efforts to furnish the new facility.

“Professional growth must go hand-in-hand with institutional strengthening. We must be visible, coordinated, and influential if we want our voices to shape national engineering policies,” he added.

Also speaking, the Interim Chairman of the newly inaugurated NATE College of Fellows, Mr. Yunusa Abubakar, said the formation of the College marks a significant milestone in NATE’s evolution as a professional body.

He stressed the need for the College to lead in standard-setting, policy engagement, and retraining of technologists. He added that senior technologists in the FCT who have made substantial contributions must be identified, engaged, and reintegrated into strategic roles.

“Fellowship is the highest recognition, but it comes with the highest expectation. We must build a fellowship body that shapes policy, strengthens national competence, and prepares the next generation for emerging technologies,” Abubakar said.

He urged members to take full ownership of the College and work together to reposition NATE as a major force in engineering technology governance in Nigeria.

The highlight of the event was the induction of new fellows.