Follow your dreams, engineers charge students

The Chairman, Lagos State Chapter of Nigerian Institution of Mechanical Engineering (NIMechE), Dr. Uche Obiajulu, has charged students, who intend to pursue a career in engineering or related fields, never to be dissuaded from following their passion.

Obiajulu spoke at a forum organised by the state chapter in conjunction with Education District Four for senior secondary school students in Lagos.

The event attracted NIMechE national Deputy Chairman, Dr. Funmilade Akingbagbohun, technical secretary of the state chapter , Mr. Reuben Ebor, representatives of students and teachers from 45 schools.

Obiajulu said students, should not study engineering without strong knowledge in technical drawing and further mathematics, which are considered relevant to engineering practice.

He lamented that the socio-economic instabilities in the country have made young people to see the importance of getting educated. However, he advised them to acquire knowledge as a means to solve societal and individual problems.

“We are trying to educate the youths that without lying and dishonesty, you can become a great person. Education makes you to become more enlightened, it opens your brain to many opportunities. You can succeed if you are focused and you don’t necessarily have to be an engineer to be great. However, being an engineer brings prestige. While with professional success, you will be ready to solve any problem and utilise opportunity to improve the world.

The chairman said the institution was poised to catch them young and stop the youths from being distracted at younger age.”

Dr. Akingbagbohun told the students that resilience was key to successful career path. She said students must learn to distinguish themselves through hard work and must never settle for less.

Akingbagbohun said mechanical engineering is the bedrock for all divisions of the profession, adding that it is about doing the right thing for the benefit of all.

“As a mechanical engineer, you must set principles on what you want to achieve as a student. Be good in mathematics, English language, physic, chemistry and technical drawings. Set specific goals you plan to achieve, measure your strengths; weaknesses and be accurate with your goal as well as be determined to achieve them.

“Students must be realistic in their pursuit and know exactly what they want to achieve,” she said.

The immediate past chairman of Nigerian Society of Engineers, lkeja Branch stressed the importance of embracing computer technology rather than use other platforms for frivolities in the course of academic growth and development.