Engineering Professionals demand for Grade 9 entry into civil service

By Aanya Igomu, Abuja

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The Nigerian Society of Engineers (NSE), has advocated the need for the Nigerian government to implement the Grade Level 9 entry points into the civil service for Engineers in states that are yet to implement it.

The First Female President of the NSE, Mrs. Margaret Oguntala who made the call during her investiture Ceremony as the President of the Engineering Professional body held in Abuja, said it was one of the agendas she will be pushing for during her 2 years tenure.

While delivering her inaugural speech, Mrs. Oguntala said the theme for her tenure is “Rebirthing the NSE for the growth, empowerment and advancement of Engineering in Nigeria”.

She added that she would focus on professional development of engineering professionals, promote technological innovations and advocate collaborations that will advance the growth of the profession.

 

She further urged the Nigerian government to create the following policies;

“Implement the GL 09 entry point for Engineers in some of the States that are yet to effect the enhanced entry point for Engineers in Civil Service.

“Formulate a policy to compel employers of labour to pay commensurate welfare packages/hazard allowances for engineers.

“Implement Executive Order 5 with sincerity of purpose. Promote Nigerian-made goods and
services.

“Have the Presidency invite the NSE to nominate engineers for inclusion in the newly formed “Policy Coordination,
“Evaluation, Monitoring, and Delivery Unit,” as announced by President Bola Ahmed Tinubu in his 2024 New Year broadcast. We praise the President for this initiative.

“Encourage entrepreneurship by providing incentives and support for engineers in small businesses and startups in the extractive industry.

“Promote STEM education to encourage more students to pursue engineering careers and contribute to nation building.

“Provide an enabling environment to encourage collaborations between engineering companies and universities to develop new technological innovations and solutions that benefit the nation,” Oguntala said.

The President of the Nigerian Senate, Senator Godswill Akpabio, a member of the NSE while delivering the keynote address, said the investiture of Mrs. Oguntala as the first female president of the society is a testament to the fact that the engineering professions embraces gender equality and shatters the glass ceiling for women.

Senator Akpabio while reflecting on the challenges the NSE faces suggested approaching the challenges with unity and collective efforts.

“One area that demands our immediate attention is the enhancement of engineering education and training. We must strive to equip our engineers with the necessary skills and knowledge to compete on a global scale.

“Furthermore, we must address the issue of inadequate infrastructure and technological advancements in our country. Nigeria possesses immense potential for growth and development, but without proper infrastructure, we cannot fully harness this potential. As engineers, it is our responsibility to design and implement sustainable solutions that will drive economic growth, improve the quality of life for our citizens, and create an environment conducive to innovation and entrepreneurship.

“In addition to infrastructure development, we must also focus on empowering our engineers, especially the younger generation. We need to provide them with mentorship opportunities, access to funding, and platforms for networking and collaboration,” Akpabio said.

He added that the President and Lawmakers are willing to work with the National Society of Engineers for the rebirth of the society and development of Nigeria.

The President of the Senate was represented by his deputy Barau Jibrin.

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