The Nigerian Society of Engineers (NSE) has urged young engineers to embrace core ethical values in their professional practice, stressing that honesty, integrity, competence, accountability, and environmental responsibility must remain at the heart of engineering.

Vice President, NSE Corporate Services, Dr Felicia Agubata, gave the charge at the Young Engineers Mentorship Programme themed, “Engineering Ethics and Professional Conduct”, organised by the NSE Victoria Island Branch as part of its engineering week.

Agubata, a former president of the Association of Professional Women Engineers of Nigeria (APWEN), said ethics form the foundation of engineering practice, noting that adherence to these principles ensures credibility, responsibility, and sustainable development.

She advised young professionals to accept only jobs they are qualified for, remain committed to lifelong learning, provide accurate information without deception, treat colleagues and clients fairly, and take responsibility for their work and its consequences.

“Hold paramount the safety, health, and welfare of the public. Always prioritise people over profit. When engineering fails, people suffer. Think of building collapses caused by shortcuts. Society gives engineers trust, and one unethical act can ruin them,” she cautioned.

According to her, unethical practices such as negligence, fraud, or ignoring construction standards lead to tragic consequences, including loss of lives, legal penalties, damaged reputations, and erosion of public trust in the profession.

Agubata further highlighted the importance of academic honesty, teamwork, integrity, and respect for property, urging engineering students and young graduates to handle laboratory equipment responsibly and pursue competence beyond grades.

She stressed that corruption and non-compliance with standards in construction continue to endanger lives in Nigeria, making ethics and strict enforcement indispensable to the industry.