…as Ado Ekiti NSE holds public lecture
The Rector of the Federal Polytechnic, Ado-Ekiti, Engr. Dr. Temitope John Alake and the Nigerian Society of Engineers, NSE, have called for increased investment in youth-driven innovation, skills acquisition and entrepreneurship as key to Nigeria’s economic transformation.
They made the call at the *2026 Engineering Week Public Lecture organized by the NSE Ado-Ekiti Branch. The theme was “Re-envisioning Nigeria: Leadership, Innovation and Youth-Driven Development in a Dynamic World.”
Delivering the lecture, Dr. Alake said Nigeria can no longer depend heavily on crude oil as the global economy shifts toward digital technology and knowledge-based production.
He described the transition to a decentralised, digital and knowledge-driven economy as an urgent national necessity.
He noted that Nigeria’s large youth population could become a major economic advantage if properly trained and empowered.
According to him, the Fourth Industrial Revolution driven by Artificial Intelligence, Fintech and other emerging technologies has created new opportunities for young Nigerians to lead in economic development.
Engr. Dr. Alake urged youths to look beyond certificates and acquire practical skills that can make them employers of labour. He also called on government and senior professionals to provide grants, start-up hubs, mentorship and policies to help young innovators turn ideas into sustainable businesses.
Also speaking at the event, Engr. Dr Oluwadare Joshua Oyebode of the Afe Babalola University, Ado-Ekiti, said Nigeria must move from policy formulation to serious implementation.
He stressed that youths should not only benefit from government programmes but must also be involved in decision-making and policy development.
He added that national development requires collaboration among government, professionals, industry, academia and communities.
Earlier, NSE Chairman, Ado Ekiti Branch, Engr. Omotola Alawode FNSE urged Nigerian youths to focus less on certificates and quick gains, and more on practical competence and innovation, which he said will determine success in local and global markets.
Engr. Alawode FNSE urged Nigerian youths to focus less on certificates and quick gains, and more on practical competence and innovation, which he said will determine success in local and global markets.
The NSE Chairman commended appreciated members of the Society for their support and contributions towards the success of her administration.
Participants described the lecture as timely and inspiring, saying it opened their eyes to the importance of digital skills and self-development.
The event ended with awards presentation to Dr. Alake, Dr. Oyebode and Arch. EyiTope Gabriel Ajayi in recognition of their contributions to leadership, engineering and youth development.
