* As Makoju Foundation holds lecture Series in Kogi.
The former Registrar of council for the regulation of Engineering in Nigeria (COREN), Engr. Dr. Felix Atume has challenged Federal Government and her subnational governments to test the competencies of NIgerian Engineers by earmarking some projects and award them to indigenous engineering firms to fast track the growth and development of the country.
The former COREN boss gave the charge today in Lokoja , Kogi state capital, at the annual memorial lecture series in honour of Late Engr. Dr. Joseph Makoju held at the Federal University Lokoja, titled “The challenges of Infrastructure development in Nigeria – The need for adequate Engineering capacity”
The guest lecturer pointed out that the development of adequate Engineering capacity in any country depends largely on the political will of the government especially the willingness to challenge the citizenry with tasks that bring out their best in the execution of such projects that suits the needs of the populace.
“A situation where Nigerian engineers and other professionals are spectators while foreigners carry out the development of infrastructural facilities portend great danger of unemployment, Youth restiveness, violence and insecurity in the society.” He lamented.
Atume who pointed out that Engineering capacity requires sound theoretical knowledge with actual exposure on the job enjoined Nigeria governments to make deliberate efforts to harness its human and material resources for development.
He said infrastructural utilisation provides the basis for the development of any Nation, hence, the quality of a Nation’s infrastructure is a critical index of its economic viability.
The Lecturer who took critical assessment on the transportation sector said ” It has been established that the financial problem of roads is unlikely to be solved without a strong road users support.and efficient use of resources.”
He added that the proposed reforms in the transportation sector has the potential to stimulate the economy of the country in many ways especially employment generation, the building of a robust indigenous engineering capacity and envisaged enhancement of the quality of service to be delivered.
While stressing the need for a paradigm shift to involve the private sector in the provision of infrastructures through the Public Private Partnership,(PPP), warned that no nation can achieve growth without the conscious involvement of her nationals.
Earlier in his opening remarks, the Vice Chancellor of the university, Prof. Olayemi Akinwumi said the purpose of the memorial lecture was not only for remembrance but to re-energise the engineering sector for nation building.
Also, Mrs. Gladys Makoju, the wife of the late Engr, Dr. Makoju appreciated the guest lecturer for the good research work.
Mrs. Makoju who promised to build a lecture theatre hall and scholarship awards for engineering students in the University also appreciated well wishers for their contributions to the growth of the foundation.
