Emphasizing the importance of quality engineering education, Vice President Kasim Shettima highlighted its role in advancing indigenous technology during a recent forum organized by the Nigerian Academy of Engineering in Abuja.
Projected figures indicate that by 2050, around 70% of Nigeria’s population will reside in urban areas, driving the need for a skilled engineering workforce to propel the country’s economic development.
Dr. Sadiq Wanka, representing the Vice President at the event, underscored Nigeria’s potential to leverage its growing population towards opportunities in the global outsourcing market valued at $360 million.
Addressing the audience, Vice President Shettima’s delegate highlighted, “Nigeria’s demographic dividend, coupled with rapid urbanization, offers a unique window for us to enhance our engineering capabilities for sustainable economic and social advancement.”
He also referenced the Outsource to Nigeria Initiative, launched earlier in the year to align with the government’s job creation agenda, aiming to establish Nigeria as a competitive global outsourcing destination.
Prof. Peter Onwualu, President of the Nigerian Academy of Engineering, echoed the sentiment that by leveraging engineering and technology across various sectors, Nigeria can position itself among developed nations.
He stated, “Through the application of engineering and technology, Nigeria can address critical challenges across agriculture, healthcare, transportation, energy, and other key sectors, fostering a significant reduction in imports and stimulating the ‘Made-in-Nigeria’ initiative.”