Engineering professionals in Nigeria have called for increased support for infrastructure development and stronger industrial training opportunities to bridge the gap between academic learning and practical industry experience.

The call was made at the “Ease of Doing Business” series organised in partnership with the Nigerian Society of Engineers (NSE), Ikeja Branch.

Industrial Training Opportunities Under Pressure

Speaking at the forum, former Chairman of the NSE Ikeja Branch, Mr Akintayo Akintola, stressed the need to expand industrial training opportunities for young engineers to improve competence and hands-on experience.

He noted that while the engineering profession in Nigeria has grown significantly in terms of manpower, opportunities for practical exposure have not kept pace.

“The engineering profession in Nigeria has grown in numbers, but opportunities have not kept pace,” he said.

Akintola, Managing Director of Charlie Debbie Consult, explained that industrial training, once a structured pathway for students to gain professional exposure, has become increasingly difficult due to limited placement opportunities.

Fewer Companies, Fewer Training Spaces

He expressed concern over the shrinking private sector space available for engineering internships and attachments.

“What we have today is fewer hands-on placements for the very professionals the system was built to serve,” he said.

“More companies are closing down rather than opening up, and the spaces are getting tighter every day.”

According to him, the decline in operational companies has reduced the number of available training slots for engineering students and young professionals.

Concerns Over National Data and Planning Systems

Akintola also raised concerns about Nigeria’s weak data infrastructure, arguing that the country lacks reliable systems for population tracking and development planning.

He said inadequate political will has hindered the deployment of engineering-driven solutions needed for effective national development.

“The government has consistently refused to empower engineers with the tools and mandates necessary to build the systems the country needs,” he said.

He further criticised inconsistent policy direction, noting that the absence of continuity in development planning has contributed to infrastructure gaps.

Lessons From Past Infrastructure Projects

Akintola referenced earlier development eras, particularly the 1970s, when long-term planning led to major infrastructure projects such as the Lagos-Ibadan Expressway and the Third Mainland Bridge.

He said such projects were made possible by consistent policy direction and sustained commitment to national development goals.

Engineers Push for Economic Growth Role

Chairman of the NSE Ikeja Branch, Nimot Muili, said the forum was designed to highlight the contributions of Nigerian engineers to both local and international development.

She said the initiative also focused on engineering-led solutions, alternative dispute resolution mechanisms for businesses, and the role of engineering in strengthening economic growth.

Engineering Key to Business Environment Reform

Muili emphasised that engineering innovation, infrastructure policy, and technical expertise are critical to improving Nigeria’s business environment.

“As a branch, we are committed to showcasing engineers, investors, innovators and professionals who are making significant contributions to economic growth and national development,” she said.

Stakeholders at the forum agreed that strengthening industrial training systems and expanding infrastructure investment will be essential for improving Nigeria’s engineering capacity and supporting long-term national development.

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