A professor at Covenant University, Ota, Ogun State, Roland Loto, has urged authorities and professionals in Nigeria to embrace sustainable engineering practice to prevent pollution, ensure management of materials, waste reduction and product development.
He gave the charge, yesterday, at a forum organised by Young Engineers Forum of Nigeria (YEFoN), under the Nigerian Society of Engineers (NSE), Ota branch, to mark this year’s World Engineering Day.
He said Nigeria has immense potential for renewable energy sources, such as solar power, wind power, biomass energy and geothermal energy, which could provide a constant and reliable source of energy.
Loto said engineers must have the mindset to develop innovative solutions as they seek a holistic understanding of complex problems that transcend the traditional boundaries of engineering, but are nevertheless amenable to analytic tools such as life cycle assessment, risk analysis and systems engineering.
According to him, sustainable engineering must seek to reduce overall Co2 emissions, minimise energy and materials consumption, among others.
He noted that the 17 Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), which call for action by all countries to promote economic growth while protecting the planet, couldn’t be achieved without the use of technology.
Also, Chairman of Ota branch of the NSE, Dr Edith Alagbe, said the world engineering day is a reminder of the invaluable contribution of engineering to infrastructure development and industrialisation, adding that the professionals play vital roles in water supply, food production, housing and shelter.
She, however, lauded the guest speaker for highlighting career paths in sustainable engineering that include renewable energy, environmental, sustainable transport and sustainable agriculture where young engineers can specialise.
