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The Nigerian Society of Engineers, NSE has called on the Federal Government to increase budgetary allocation for engineering education to strengthen the practical training of students and provide access to modern tools.
Chairman of the Kwara State Chapter of the NSE, Engineer Olusola Ogunjirin, made the appeal at a news conference in Ilorin, held as part of activities marking the 2025 Engineering Week.
Engineer Ogunjirin noted that while Nigerian tertiary institutions have sound curricula for engineering education, greater investment in technical facilities is necessary to equip students with hands-on skills.
He urged the Kwara State Government to patronize indigenous engineering contractors for construction projects, saying such a move would boost the local economy and serve as a training ground for students on industrial attachment.
The NSE Chairman, however, commended Governor Abdulrahman Abdulrazaq’s administration for maintaining high standards in infrastructural development and for supporting the association.
He also called on the State Government to support local engineering contractors to build capacity.
“As engineers, we remain committed to providing solutions that drive sustainable development in Kwara State and Nigeria at large,” he added.
A former State Chairman of the NSE, Professor Abdul-Ganiu Alabi, added that involving local engineers in major projects would help them improve their skills, learn from experience, and deliver better results in the future.
The NSE Ilorin Branch’s listed some of its landmark achievements in 2025, to include active participation in major state infrastructure inaugurations like the Tunde Idiagbon and Unity Road flyover bridges in Ilorin metropolis.
“The NSE Ilorin Branch recorded major achievements in 2025, including active participation of its members in several national boards and committees, as well as involvement in state infrastructure projects like the commissioning of flyovers.
“The branch also executed impactful community and institutional projects such as providing a borehole to Oloje community, installing a solar power system at its centre, inaugurating the Offa Branch, and hosting technical events and lectures.
“Membership growth, national recognitions, and awards; alongside notable elevations of members to higher academic, professional, and leadership positions, further underscored its progress”.
The branch also urged its members in the Ministries of Power and Energy to advocate for fellow engineers in securing contracts and maintenance roles on government infrastructure projects.
By Sola Rotimi
