IDEAS TO THINK ABOUT
- The PPP Model for infrastructure development driven by Engineers – The Director-General, Infrastructure Concession Regulatory Commission (ICRC), Chidi Izuwah, while speaking at a forum of Engineers proposed the use of “Private capital and management expertise will help in this area as has happened in Malaysia, India and South Africa,” citing examples of the Apapa Port Concession and Airport concessions. This will get our engineers busy and safe the country huge sums of money.
- Linking education and industry – The Nigerian Society of Engineers should work with NOTAB and sure AfDB, World Bank and other multi-lateral agencies to create a scheme that connects industry with education through engineering hubs and centres piloted in some universities and polytechnics to support the development of ideas that will solve our national problems. Such as road construction and maintenance – our roads are washed away after small rains, what can we do differently during construction to ensure they last? medical equipment for rural hospitals where this no light; etc
- Incorporating facilities management in budgeting using the life cycle cost model – assets and infrastructures are budgeted for their life – design, construction, maintenance and disposal.
- Facilities Management education to be included in Engineering curriculum as a course and encouraged at Master’s Level – 2 universities running the program is under estate management
- Engineers to be more involved in Policy making – get on the NESG and ensure we continue to influence in government programs and policies
- Engineering Education should be reviewed to ensure that the universities and polytechnics – labs, engineering centres, and lecturers are equipped to deliver the best education for the students.
I hope the above will help us to continue to think about the best way Engineers can contribute to National Development.
Thank you
