Adopt emerging tech or be left behind, Bola warns engineers
By Ukpono Ukpong
The Deputy National Chairman of the Nigeria Institution of Highway and Transportation Engineers (NIHTE), Engr. Dr. Bola Mudasiru, has warned that engineering professionals who fail to embrace emerging technologies risk being left behind in a rapidly evolving global landscape.
Speaking at the First Engr. E. E. Ndububa Annual Lecture, he challenged engineers to adopt a global mindset, sharpen their business skills, and position themselves as forward-thinking leaders capable of driving innovation.
Addressing the theme “Global Engineering Leadership: Pioneering Sustainable Practices for Technological and Economic Advancement,” he underscored the importance of equipping engineers with the tools to lead across diverse cultural and economic settings.
He maintained that the future of engineering depends on professionals who combine technical excellence with strategic leadership and the agility to respond to complex global issues.
The award-winning engineer emphasized that engineering professionals must develop a global mindset, fostering cross-cultural connections, prioritize sustainable development, social responsibility, and community well-being.
He also urged them to embrace emerging technologies to drive innovation and address complex challenges and stay informed about industry trends to excel in the evolving engineering landscape.
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Engr. Bola argued that the engineering industry needs skilled leaders to address current challenges such as climate change and labor shortages. He reiterated that leadership is critical to a company’s success, citing a study by Zippia that found 69% of employees would work harder if their efforts were appreciated, and 71% of employees who quit their positions did so due to a lack of leadership.
He concluded that global engineering leadership is pivotal in pioneering sustainable practices that not only advance technology but also promote economic growth. By mastering the three dimensions of technical, business, and people-driven skills, engineering leaders can ensure their teams are effective and drive innovation.
The First Engr. E. E. Ndububa Annual Lecture was held at the University of Abuja, with several dignitaries in attendance including Engr. Saidu Hassan, Immediate Past National Chairman of NIHTE among other notable engineering professionals and academics
The Immediate Past National Chairman, Engr. Saidu Hassan, also emphasized the importance of developing leaders with high technical skills, stating that they are the future of development in every nation.
The honoree, Engr. Ndububa, expressed his gratitude to the keynote speaker, dignitaries, and other participants. He highlighted the need to strengthen collaboration between academia and industry, stating:
“I am overwhelmed with gratitude to the keynote speaker, Engr. Dr. Mudasiru Bola, for his insightful presentation. I would also like to thank the dignitaries and other participants for their presence. As we move forward, it is essential that we strengthen collaboration between academia and industry to drive innovation and development in our nation.”
Notably, Engr. Bola also received Award of Excellence in recognition of his contribution and selfless service towards development of NICESA and the Students Community at large.
The annual lecture provided a platform for engineering professionals and academics to discuss the latest developments in the field and identify ways to address the challenges facing the industry. The event concluded with a call to action for engineering professionals to develop the necessary skills and mindset to drive sustainable development and economic growth.
