The Nigerian Society of Engineers (NSE) has urged its 102 new fellows to uphold professional ethics and integrity, warning that breaching its codes and standards could lead to the withdrawal or revocation of fellowship, subject to its governing provisions and due process.
The Society charged the Fellows to deploy their expertise to address Nigeria’s infrastructure challenges, promote innovation and transfer knowledge to younger professionals.
The charge was given at the NSE Third Quarter Dinner and Conferment of Fellowship in Lagos.
The Deputy Governor of Lagos State, Obafemi Hamzat, congratulated the new Fellows, describing their elevation as recognition of years of professional commitment, competence and contributions to the engineering profession.
Represented by the Special Adviser on Infrastructure, Engr. Olufemi Daramola, Hamzat said the responsibility of engineers went beyond designing and constructing physical infrastructure, stressing that their work must, ultimately, provide solutions that improve the quality of life of citizens. He said roads, bridges, drainage systems; energy infrastructure, water facilities and technology projects derived their value from their impact on people and communities.
According to him, the rapid growth and urbanisation of Lagos had placed enormous demands on infrastructure, making it necessary for engineers and policymakers to anticipate future needs while addressing existing challenges.
Hamzat urged engineers to play a greater role in planning and policymaking, while giving adequate attention to sustainability, maintenance, efficient resource utilisation and the suitability of projects to their local environments.
He said, ‘Engineering is a profession in which the decisions we make have consequences far beyond our offices, drawings, and construction sites. The design decision, the specification, the calculation, and professional recommendation can affect the safety, livelihood and quality of life of thousands of people. Competence and integrity must therefore remain at the centre of engineering practice.’
The Deputy Governor added that technological changes, climate-related pressures, population growth and limited resources had created new challenges for modern cities, requiring engineers to embrace innovation and develop solutions suited to changing conditions.
The NSE President, Engr. Ali Alimasuya Rabiu, similarly charged the new Fellows to remain committed to the professional codes, standards and ethical principles governing engineering practice.
Rabiu warned that failure to uphold the principles and tenets of the profession could attract disciplinary action, including withdrawal or revocation of fellowship, subject to the society’s governing provisions and due process.
He said, ‘Let your conduct, both within and outside the professional environment, reflect the honour that has been bestowed upon you tonight. The Nigerian Society of Engineers will continue to uphold the integrity of its fellowship.’
Also, the Chairman, Board of Fellows, Engr. Kamila Maliki, said the 102 engineers had undergone a rigorous selection process, adding that their admission reflected the NSE’s commitment to professional excellence, integrity, competence and merit.
Maliki stressed that fellowship came with responsibilities beyond professional recognition, particularly in providing leadership, mentoring younger engineers and contributing to the advancement of the profession.
‘Fellowship is not merely an entitlement to be proudly borne; it is a responsibility to provide leadership, mentor the next generation, uphold the highest ethical standards, and contribute meaningfully to the advancement of our profession,’ she said.