Engineers lament government policies, as undermining professional practice

The Nigerian Society of Engineers (NSE) has lamented the state of engineering practice in the country, saying that government policies, actions and practices that do not adequately recognise or support their professional contributions have grossly undermined the practice.

They identified the under-utilisation of qualified professional engineers in positions and sectors where technical expertise and competence are required as part of the challenges facing the profession.
These were contained in a joint communique issued at the end of the technical session and monthly general meeting of the Enugu State branch of the NSE, held in Enugu

Enugu State branch Chairman, Loveday Osondu and Technical Secretary, Chiwetelu Ndubisi, who signed the communique, also observed that engineers are both part of the challenges confronting society and critical stakeholders in developing sustainable solutions noting that increasing brain drain and movement of engineering professionals into other fields constitute a major concern for the future of engineering practice and national development.

They noted the appointment of persons without engineering qualifications to head critical technical ministries, particularly the appointment of a lawyer as Minister of Works, and called on governments at all levels to ensure that qualified and duly licensed professional engineers are appointed to positions involving engineering responsibilities and are adequately engaged in the planning, design, execution, supervision and management of engineering projects.

“Engineers are encouraged to demonstrate courage, uphold professional ethics and resist all forms of undue influence, compromise and unprofessional practices capable of bringing the engineering profession into disrepute.

“ Engineers are encouraged to actively participate in politics and public governance, including seeking elective and appointive positions, to influence policies, promote accountability and advance the interests of the profession and to embrace entrepreneurship, innovation and business development, create employment opportunities and become job creators rather than relying solely on conventional white-collar employment”, they noted

The body also tasked schools and institutions offering engineering programmes to strengthen their academic and practical training systems to produce competent, innovative and professionally responsible graduates capable of meeting societal and industry demands.

They reminded their members the importance of maintaining high standards of professionalism, personal conduct, discipline and decent appearance, while reaffirming their critical role in shaping society, influencing public policy, promoting sustainable development and providing practical solutions to the challenges confronting the nation.

The Branch therefore called on all engineers to rise to the responsibilities of their profession, uphold the highest standards of integrity and competence, and actively contribute to national development.

Earlier in an address, branch Chairman, Osondu said that as part of his administration’s commitment to professional responsibility and public safety, the Prevention, Investigation and Failure Analysis Committee of the branch had visited the site of the collapsed building at Independence Layout, Enugu.

“The investigation is ongoing, and we look forward to receiving the Committee’s findings and recommendations. This exercise underscores the critical role of engineers in promoting structural safety, accountability, compliance with approved standards, and adherence to professional ethics. We are still committed to supporting initiatives that will prevent building failures and safeguard lives and property”, he said

He stated that the branch was steadily taking steps to strengthen its structures, improve members’ welfare, promote professional development, and advance the interests of the engineering profession.

“These engagements and initiatives reflect our determination to build a stronger, more vibrant, and more responsive NSE Enugu Branch”, he said, adding however, that the success of the efforts depends on the collective commitment, cooperation, and active participation of every member.

He encouraged the members to continue supporting the Executive Committee, attend meetings, participate in technical sessions, and contribute ideas, time, and resources that would move the branch forward.