Engineers seek recognition in national disasters management, emergencies

The Nigerian Society of Engineers (NSE) has bemoaned lack of recognition by the authorities in the management of coronavirus pandemic, in spite of their enormous contributions.

Outgoing Chairman of the Apapa Branch of NSE, Mr. Sunny Ejeje, who disclosed this at a briefing to herald the branch’s engineering week and annual general meeting, said despite Nigerian engineers’ contributions to the management of the pandemic, which has ravaged the world, only the medical perspective is often sighted.

He stressed that the lecture themed: ‘Management of Pandemic – Engineering Perspective,’ was aimed at showcasing the importance of engineers in scientific breakthroughs to curtail the pandemic.

According to him, the successes recorded so far cannot be attained without the engineering perspective because of their roles in making hospitals conducive for use, as well as fabrication of the medical equipment.

Ejeje highlighted the contributions of Nigerian engineers since the outbreak of the pandemic to include, building of isolation centres, provision of water and electricity in the centres, production of nose marks, face shields, sanitisers and fabrication of ventilators among others.

He regretted that the authorities have continued to relegate the engineers to the background because they are only seen but not heard.

Nigerian engineers, Ejeje said, should be proud for contributing their quota to the management of the pandemic by providing platforms for zoom and virtual meetings, as well as making hospitals conducive for medical operations.

Ejeje said the engineering week, which features industrial visits and public lectures, provides opportunity for them to highlight some of the inventions by engineers, as well as institutions like the Federal Polytechnic Ilaro, University of Benin, Ahmadu Bello University Zaria and the University of Lagos.