History was made in Abuja today as the Nigerian Society of Engineers (NSE) inaugurated its inaugural female president, Engr. Margaret Aina Oguntala.
Mrs. Oguntala, upon her inauguration, assumed the role of the 34th President of the Nigerian Society of Engineers.
Speaking shortly after her investiture, she urged the Federal Government to fully implement Presidential Order 5, which advocates for the consumption of made-in-Nigeria goods and services.
She called on the government to, among other things, “implement the GL 09 entry point for engineers in some of the states that are yet to effect the enhanced entry point for engineers in civil service.
She also sought for formulation a policy to compel employers of labour to pay commensurate welfare packages/hazard allowances for engineers.
“Implement Executive Order 5 with sincerity of purpose. Promote Nigerian-made goods and services. Have the Presidency invite the NSE to nominate engineers for inclusion in the newly formed ‘Policy Coordination, Evaluation, Monitoring, and Delivery Unit’ as announced by President Bola Ahmed Tinubu in his 2024 New Year broadcast. We praise the President for this initiative.
“Encourage entrepreneurship by providing incentives and support for engineers in small businesses and startups in the extractive industry. Promote STEM education to encourage more students to pursue engineering careers and contribute to nation-building.”
In his Keynote Address, Senate President Godswill Akpabio praised the society for electing its first female president, stating, “Oguntala’s appointment serves as a powerful testament to the fact that talent, dedication, and expertise know no gender boundaries”.
” It is a clear indication that the Nigerian Society of Engineers recognises and values the invaluable contributions of women in shaping the future of engineering.“
“Thirty-three men have come before her, serving as presidents of this great body. They have worked tirelessly to make the NSE the outstanding professional organisation it is today. Let us applaud their efforts. However, the time has come for the NSE to enter the labour room and give birth to a new version of itself.”
He charged the NSE’s new leadership to focus on the education and training of young engineers, adding that “We must strive to equip our engineers with the necessary skills and knowledge to compete on a global scale.
“This can be achieved through partnerships with educational institutions, industry leaders, and professional organisations. By fostering collaboration and knowledge sharing, we can ensure that our engineers are armed with the latest tools and techniques to tackle complex engineering problems.”
