WORLD ENGINEERING DAY: NSE Advocates Smart Engineering Adoption to Accelerate Development

The President of the Nigerian Society of Engineers (NSE), Engr. Ali Alimasuya Rabiu, FNSE, F.ASCE, FAEng, MFR, has urged the adoption and deployment of smart engineering solutions to fast-track Nigeria’s development.
Smart engineering refers to the use of advanced technologies and innovative design strategies to develop systems, products, and structures that are efficient, sustainable, and interconnected.

Engr. Rabiu made the appeal on Wednesday, March 4, 2026, during the Society’s webinar organised to commemorate the World Engineering Day for Sustainable Development (WED). He described the 2026 theme, “Smart Engineering for a Sustainable Future through Innovation and Digitalisation,” as both timely and appropriate, noting that it reflects Nigeria’s urgent developmental priorities.

“I warmly welcome this theme and I am confident that our discussions will produce meaningful insights. I also believe that at the conclusion of our engagements, there will be significant benefits for our nation, including recommendations that government is expected to consider and implement in pursuit of national development,” Engr. Rabiu stated.
He encouraged members of the Society to leverage the platform to generate innovative ideas that would support government efforts in addressing the country’s persistent insecurity challenges. According to him, tackling insecurity is essential to strengthening trade relations with other nations and attracting investments from leading global corporations.

“Today offers us, as engineers, the opportunity to reflect on the critical role our profession plays in shaping society and advancing sustainable development. Globally, engineering continues to deliver solutions that improve infrastructure, bolster economies, and enhance people’s quality of life,” he added.
In his welcome address, the NSE Vice President (Corporate Services), Engr. Dr. Ben Osita Okoh, FNSE, said the theme of this year’s celebration serves as a reminder that the future will increasingly depend on engineers’ capacity to harness technology, embrace innovation, and apply digital tools to resolve complex development issues. He added that NSE’s participation in the celebration underscores members’ collective commitment to continuous learning, collaboration, and professional advancement.
The keynote address was presented by Engr. Prof. Hilary Owamah, FNSE, Deputy Vice Chancellor (Academics) at Delta State University, Abraka. The webinar was moderated by Engr. Prof. Joseph Akanmu, FNSE, of the Faculty of Engineering, University of Lagos.
Other panelists included Engr. Thankgod Itua Egbe, FNSE, Technical Director at Cyber Crescent Ltd; Engr. Hauwa Ibrahim Khaleel, FNSE, Director, Power & Infrastructure, Ministry of Public Procurement, Kano; and Engr. Olumayowa Ayodeji Idowu, FNSE, Nigerian Representative, Young Engineers Future Leaders, World Federation of Engineering Organizations (WFEO).
Engr. Muilli Nimot, FNSE, Chairman of NSE Ikeja Branch, and Engr. Dr. George Okpanachi, FNSE, Past Chairman of NSE Giri Branch, served as Rapporteurs, while Engr. Bosede Oyekunle, FNSE, acted as the Programme Director.