NAE to deepen engagement with government

The Nigerian Academy of Engineering (NAE) plans to deepen its engagement with both the executive and legislative branches of government to ensure that national policies are grounded in sound engineering data, research, and innovation. This commitment was stated by the newly inaugurated 14th President of the NAE, Prof. Umar Danbatta.

During his inauguration in Lagos, Prof. Danbatta, a former Executive Vice-Chairman of the Nigerian Communications Commission, presented a four-point agenda. This agenda prioritizes policy engagement, fostering collaboration between academia and industry, enhancing mentorship programs, and building strategic partnerships. These initiatives align with the NAE's 2024–2028 Strategic Plan, which aims to transform engineering education, promote industrialization, improve infrastructure management, and advance technical skills development across the nation.

"The institute will deepen engagement with the executive and legislative arms of the government to ensure policies are guided by sound engineering data, research and innovation," Danbatta declared. He emphasized the NAE's role in championing indigenous technological solutions to tackle critical challenges in areas such as power supply, broadband expansion, climate change, and environmental sustainability. Recognizing the disconnect between academic learning and industry needs, Danbatta pledged to strengthen partnerships that equip graduates with practical, entrepreneurial, and industry-relevant skills.

Furthermore, the NAE will prioritize mentorship and capacity development for young engineers through workshops, conferences, research grants, and professional development programs. The institute also intends to bolster collaborations with key professional bodies like the Nigerian Society of Engineers and the Council for the Regulation of Engineering in Nigeria, as well as educational institutions. Prof. Danbatta also expressed a desire to expand partnerships with international engineering bodies to promote knowledge exchange and adopt global best practices, urging engineers to contribute practical solutions to Nigeria's developmental challenges.

“

The institute will deepen engagement with the executive and legislative arms of the government to ensure policies are guided by sound engineering data, research and innovation.