By Gloria Irabor
The Federal Government has reaffirmed its unwavering commitment to strengthening strategic partnerships with the private sector, academia, professional bodies, and other key stakeholders to accelerate indigenous technology development, research commercialisation, and innovation-driven economic growth.
Speaking at the Young Engineers Innovation Summit 2026 in Abuja, themed “Engineering Solutions for Energy Security and Digital Transformation”, the Honourable Minister of Innovation, Science and Technology, Dr. Kingsley Tochukwu Udeh, SAN, represented by the National Coordinator/Chief Executive of the Strategy Implementation Task Office for Executive Order 5 STOPPO5, Engr. Ibiam Oguejiofor, FNSE, described the summit’s theme as both timely and strategic.
Dr. Udeh emphasised that engineering remains the backbone of national development, industrial competitiveness and technological advancement. He noted that achieving energy security is fundamental to Nigeria’s industrialisation and sustainable economic growth, stressing that reliable, affordable and clean energy is indispensable for powering industries, stimulating innovation, creating jobs and improving the quality of life for Nigerians.
Highlighting President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s Renewed Hope Agenda, Dr. Udeh underscored that innovation, energy sufficiency, digital transformation and industrialisation are central to Nigeria’s economic vision. He called on engineers to play a pivotal role in translating government policies into practical, technology-driven solutions that address national challenges, boost productivity and position Nigeria as a globally competitive innovation economy.
The Minister spotlighted the Ministry’s flagship initiative, Energise Commercialisation Now (ECoN), designed to bridge the gap between research institutions, industry, investors and the marketplace. He explained that ECoN will accelerate the commercialisation of research outcomes and indigenous technologies, transforming scientific discoveries into market-ready products and services, strengthening Nigeria’s technological independence, expanding investment opportunities and creating sustainable employment.
Also speaking, the Managing Director/CEO of Galaxy Backbone Limited, Prof. Ibrahim Adepoju Adeyanju represented by Engr. Dr. Kazeem Suleiman, FNSE described the summit as a strategic platform for engineers, policymakers, researchers, and industry leaders to advance innovative solutions for energy security and digital transformation.
The President of the Nigerian Society of Engineers (NSE), Engr. Ali Alimasuya Rabiu reaffirmed the society’s commitment to enhancing professional competence, strengthening collaboration with government and academia and providing expert guidance to support national development and sustainable engineering practice.
At the panel sessions, Head of Engineering and Emerging Technologies at SITOPEO5, Engr. Dr. Patricks Oghuma pledged stronger support for young engineers. He unveiled initiatives in innovation hubs, skills development and policy reforms, stressing that aligning policy with opportunity will unlock career pathways and position Nigeria as Africa’s hub for engineering excellence.
Dr. Oghuma posed a thought-provoking challenge: “How can 21st century students be taught by 20th century lecturers using 19th century methods?” He called for urgent transformation in education, urging lecturers to embrace creativity, critical thinking, collaboration and adaptability, supported by modern tools and continuous training. Dr. Oghuma further asserted the need for mentorship, hands-on experience and meaningful workplace exposure for junior engineers to develop their their skills, confidence and professional insight required to thrive in today’s dynamic work environment.
The panel featured distinguished leaders including the president, Nigeria Society of Engineers (NSE) Engr. Ali Rabiu (NSE) Engr. Prof. Sadiq Abubarkar, and the President of COREN, moderated by Engr. Adamu Ibrahim Aliyu. Discussions centred on how innovation and regulation can drive sustainable career growth for Nigeria’s engineering youth.
