The Nigerian Society of Engineers (NSE) has inducted engineering graduates of Kwara State University (KWASU), Malete, into its Graduate Membership, charging them to uphold professionalism, ethics and sustainability as drivers of national development.
The induction ceremony, held on Monday at the Convocation Arena, KWASU, brought together leaders of the engineering profession, university management, parents and other stakeholders. The event was organised by the NSE in collaboration with the Faculty of Engineering and Technology, KWASU.
Delivering the keynote address on behalf of the President of the Nigerian Society of Engineers, Engr. Aina Oguntala, FNSE, the Chairman of NSE Offa Branch described the induction as “a formal call to responsibility, competence, ethics and service to humanity,” rather than a mere ceremonial rite.
He noted that engineers remain central to Nigeria’s development aspirations across critical sectors including infrastructure, energy, agriculture, healthcare, transportation and digital systems. According to him, the country’s quest for sustainable growth and global competitiveness depends largely on the quality and integrity of its engineering workforce.
The keynote speaker further highlighted sustainable engineering and the blue economy as emerging imperatives for the profession. He explained that the blue economy—focused on the sustainable use of ocean, coastal and inland water resources—offers Nigeria vast opportunities in renewable energy, marine transportation, fisheries, coastal infrastructure and environmental management.
“For a nation blessed with extensive coastlines and water resources, engineers must design systems that protect ecosystems, reduce pollution and promote clean energy, while creating green careers for young professionals,” he said.
He urged the inductees to embrace lifelong learning, innovation and ethical conduct, and to take advantage of NSE platforms for training, mentorship and professional development as they progress toward corporate membership.
In his address, the Chairman of NSE Ilorin Branch, Engr. Dr. O. A. Ogunjirin, FNSE, FNIAE, described engineering as the foundation of modern society and a discipline critical to the achievement of the 17 Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).
“What can you do without engineering?” he asked, noting that engineering underpins agriculture, transportation, water resources, health and infrastructure. He encouraged the new graduate members to be problem-solvers, stressing that there is ample opportunity for engineers who can identify societal challenges and proffer practical solutions.
Engr. Ogunjirin emphasised that while a degree qualifies one by training, integrity, professionalism and continuous learning ultimately define success in practice. He commended KWASU management, the Faculty of Engineering and Technology and NSE Ilorin Branch for sustaining a partnership that ensures early professional induction of engineering graduates.
The Guest Speaker, Engr. Prof. J. K. Odusote, MNSE, FNIMMME, Director, Centre for Blue Economy, University of Ilorin, underscored the growing relevance of sustainability in engineering practice. Speaking with Just Event Online TV, he explained that the blue economy focuses on sustainable environmental and economic use of marine and ocean resources, while green careers promote engineering solutions that support environmental sustainability.
He urged the inductees to adopt systems thinking rather than linear approaches in problem-solving, describing sustainability as “no longer optional, but a necessity.”
Also speaking, the Vice-Chancellor of KWASU, Prof. Shaykh-Luqman Alade Jimoh, represented by Prof. Olusola Oladele James, charged the inductees to be worthy ambassadors of the university in their professional careers.
Highlights of the ceremony included the presentation of awards to outstanding graduates. The overall best graduating student for the 2025 academic session received a cash prize of ₦100,000 from a newly conferred Fellow of the NSE, alongside other awards presented to best graduating students across the engineering departments.
The ceremony concluded with a call on the new graduate members to deploy their knowledge and skills in service to humanity, environmental responsibility and the sustainable development of Nigeria.
