Akeem Lasisi
Many practitioners gathered at the First Technical University, Ibadan, recently when the institution’s first set of Engineering graduates were inducted into the Council for the Regulation of Engineering in Nigeria, COREN. The historical programme themed ‘Dare to be Different’ was held in conjunction with the Nigerian Society of Engineers, Oluyole Branch, Ibadan.
While the Vice Chancellor, Professor Adesola Ajayi, who was on an official engagement outside the campus was represented by the Deputy Vice Chancellor, Professor Iyiola Tella, the Vice Chancellor of the Dominion University, Professor Abel Olajide, delivered the keynote address.
Also at the event were the Registrar, Mrs Olayinka Balogun; the Bursar, Pastor Kehinde Olatokun; Dean, Faculty of Engineering and Technology, Professor Charles Akanbi; Dean, Applied and Natural Sciences, Professor Abiodun Salami; Dean, Environmental Sciences, Professor Steven Ojo.
Other university officials present included the Director, Vice Chancellor’s Office, Mrs Lanre Omolola; Director, Academic Planning, Dr Mrs Oluranti Sangodoyin; Vice Dean, Faculty of Engineering and Technology, Dr Oyetunde Adeaga; the Head of Department, Dr I.O. Olaoye; Vice Dean, Faculty of Applied and Natural Sciences, Dr O.E. Ogunjinmi; and Director, the Intellectual Property and Transfer Office, IPPTO, Dr Kehinde Awokoya.
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The Chairman of the NSE, Oluyole, Engr. Yomi Oyerinde; and other officials such as Engrs. Peter Oyelami, Adewale Ikotun, Samson Ogunlola, Ajibade Rasheed, Adedayo Olaide were also present.
In his inspiring lecture, Prof. Olajide noted that Engineering cuts across sciences and the arts, saying its essence was to make life easier for society at an affordable cost.
He said, “Engineering is also an art. It is the art of applying imagination, common sense, native intelligence, scientific principle, technical training, professional knowledge and practical experience. Its essence is to add value to life, making life easier for people at an affordable cost.”
While also highlighting the evolution of engineering, the VC identified the major traits of an ideal engineer. According to him, the ideal engineer is a composite, not a scientist, not a sociologist and not a writer. Rather, he or she uses knowledge and techniques of all of these to solve engineering problems.
He said, “As an engineer, you should have factual knowledge and be able to use technology creatively. When people see a fine building, they ask: ‘Who is the architect that designed it?’ But when the building collapses, they ask: ‘Who is the engineer that handled it?’ This means that once things are good, people forget engineers.”
Olajide advised the Tech-U graduates to be prepared to study more and dare to be different while in practice.
“For the 21st engineer, first degree is not enough. You have to remain a lifelong learner. You must able to learn, relearn and unlearn. You should dare to be different. You should dare to break the norm, refuse to conform, refuse to allow popular opinions impede your dream the course of your life. Be distinct. Attempt great things. Scientists ask: ‘Why?’ Engineers say: ‘Why not?’ When you dare to be different, you stand alone. Now, being alone is where unique creative contributions can thrive. It’s what leaders, great artists and inspiring minds do,” Olajide added.
To be different, he further said, the graduates must be repository of knowledge and skills. They must be of good character, and of sound judgement and discretion, especially in dealing with clients.
He explained, “Thinking differently pushes you to ask questions, challenge rigid rules, imagine, invent, innovate and improve. The engineer is the key figure in the material progress of the world. He makes a reality of the potential value of science. So, Nigeria is waiting for you. It is your time, your future. Go out and be different.
“Don’t live your life based on public opinion. Be ready to be alone when people don’t understand what you are saying. It’s not every time you say it, that you can show it. Action speaks louder than voice.”
The DVC, Professor Tella, congratulated the graduates as well as the staff of the Faculty. He described Professor Akanbi as a great mentor, while also stressing the resolve of Tech-U’s Vice Chancellor, Professor Ajayi, to continue to give students solid and versatile foundation. The DVC, while thanking the pioneer Vice Chancellor, Professor Ayobami Salami, for sowing the seeds of daring to be different, he thanked Professor Olorunnisola for the lecture which he described as very inspiring.
While awards were presented to some dignitaries, including the guest lecturer, a highlight of the ceremony was the offer of employment to the best graduate of each of the four departments in the Faculty of Engineering and Technology by Engr. Ikotun.
He said, “I’m happy I commenced this journey with you five yeas ago. The only reason I stood with you is that you chose to be different. Tech U is preparing you exactly for what is lacking in the industry. You don’t prepare food you cannot eat. I am part of those who prepared you. So, I should be able to employ you. Four of you should resume work without applications.”
