Abuja: The Nigerian Society of Engineers (NSE), in collaboration with MIDAS IT, India, has donated engineering software packages valued at 17.4 million dollars to 15 Nigerian universities.
The Society stated that the move was aimed at enhancing engineering education in Nigeria.
Some of the benefiting universities include Ahmadu Bello University, Zaria; University of Benin; University of Lagos; Joseph Sarwuan Tarka University (JUSTUM); University of Abuja; University of Maiduguri; Confluence University of Science and Technology (CUSTECH); and Osara, among others.
The initiative aims to enhance practical design knowledge and promote technological competence among engineering students, particularly in fields such as civil, structural, and geotechnical engineering, among others.
Mrs Margaret Oguntala said this at the official handover/presentation of engineering software packages in Abuja. The President and Chairman-in-Council of NSE described the gesture as a significant contribution to strengthening engineering capacity and enhancing the quality of education in Nigerian institutions.
“This moment presents us with a very valuable opportunity to accelerate meaningful action in advancing engineering education and professional development in Nigeria.
“It is our collective duty to guide, support and inspire them to rise to their full potential. Through structured mentorship and active knowledge sharing, we can equip the next generation to lead the engineering profession with vision, competence, and excellence.
“As the world continues to embrace the Fourth Industrial Revolution, it has become increasingly critical for us as a country to create deliberate pathways for our young innovators to transition from classroom concepts to real-world applications.”
Oguntala, therefore, urged the benefiting universities to intensify their efforts in closing the gap between academia and industry.
“By doing so, we will ensure that our engineering graduates are well-prepared to function effectively and confidently in the professional space from the moment they leave the university,” she said.
Oguntala called for deliberate efforts to provide structured mentorship and encourage knowledge-sharing to prepare students for leadership roles in the engineering sector.
“As the world continues to embrace the Fourth Industrial Revolution, it has become increasingly critical for us as a country to create deliberate pathways for our young innovators to transition from classroom concepts to real-world applications.”
The NSE president also called on the Federal Government to strengthen bilateral cooperation with India in areas of technology transfer, capacity building, and infrastructure development.
Oguntala, while thanking MIDAS IT of India for the generous donation, added that the Republic of India, through the corporation, has demonstrated itself to be a true friend of Nigeria by supporting Nigeria’s development aspirations through the provision of world-class information technology tools.
“This partnership is indeed valuable as we continue to strive towards elevating the capabilities of our young students ahead of their graduation and integration into the professional world,” she said.
She therefore called on the federal government of Nigeria to further strengthen its cooperation with the government of India.
The Managing Director of the Africa and UAE region at MIDAS IT Co., Mr Naga Anne, said that technology should be available to students because they are the future.
“Once we give them the right tools, they will find their own ways to learn and grow. That is how this mission at MIDAS started.
“As developing regions, this is where the next generation of engineers and innovators will emerge, and our goal is to equip them with the right tools.”
He said the firm plans to reach students from different universities with tools to enhance their learning, thereby bridging the gap between academic knowledge and industrial practice.
“This is the first step today, we are talking about civil engineering software donation. In the next stage, we may also explore mechanical engineering, where we can develop mechanical software.
“So, in this building and structural engineering, the flagship product is MIDAS GenX, which is mainly for the design of buildings, bridges and civil Engineering.”
Additionally, Prof. Michael Faborode stated that the NSC Chairman and the Policy Think Tank Committee had announced that the initiative aimed to produce graduates who would end the era of building collapses and road failures in the country.
In his remarks, the Vice President of Professional Development at NSE, Prof. Aluyah Okodugha, said the initiative aimed to ensure that Nigerian engineers could compete favourably with their peers globally.
“We have continually encouraged government, industry and development partners to focus their attention and take appropriate action in providing modern tools and facilities that enhance engineering education and practice,” he said
Speaking on behalf of the benefiting institutions, Prof. Abdulrahman Salawu, Vice Chancellor of Confluence University, thanked the firm and the NSE council for the gesture and pledged to develop indigenous software that would address local challenges.
