NSE, COREN Induct 381 OOU Engineering Graduates, VC Urges Integrity, Innovation
By Momodu Favour
The Nigerian Society of Engineers (NSE) and the Council for the Regulation of Engineering in Nigeria (COREN) have inducted 381 engineering graduates of Olabisi Onabanjo University (OOU), Ago-Iwoye, into the engineering profession, with a strong call for integrity, innovation, and professional excellence.
Speaking at the 11th induction ceremony held at the university’s College of Engineering, Ibogun, in Ifo Local Government Area of Ogun State, the Vice Chancellor, Prof. Ayodeji Agboola, charged the newly inducted engineers to prioritise integrity, embrace innovation, and collaborate with senior colleagues to help build a new Nigeria.
Agboola emphasised that engineering remains the backbone of national development, playing a crucial role in infrastructure, technological advancement, healthcare, and other critical sectors.
He noted that Nigeria is at a pivotal stage in its development and requires committed professionals to drive transformation.
“Nigeria is at a critical juncture in its development, and as engineers, you are poised to be the architects of this new era,” he said.
The Vice Chancellor described the induction into NSE and COREN as more than a ceremonial exercise, stating that it represents a commitment to uphold the highest standards of ethics, professionalism, and technical excellence.
“You are not just members of an institution; you are custodians of the future. Your responsibilities go beyond merely solving problems you are to innovate, inspire, and transform the world around you,” Agboola said.
He urged the new engineers to remain focused, resilient, and committed to lifelong learning, stressing that the path to becoming a licensed engineer demands continuous growth and development.
“The world is full of opportunities waiting to be unlocked by your talent, innovation, and drive. Maximise your potential and use your expertise to make lasting contributions to society,” he added.
Agboola also commended NSE and COREN for their continued leadership in strengthening professional standards in the engineering sector. He expressed gratitude to parents, families, and lecturers for their support in helping the graduands achieve the milestone.
Earlier in her remarks, the Dean of the Faculty of Engineering, Prof. Olufunke Akinkurolere, praised the university management for approving the construction of a 750-seater lecture theatre for the faculty, describing it as a landmark intervention that will enhance teaching and learning while accommodating the growing student population.
She also commended the Vice Chancellor for his confidence in the faculty, noting that one of his biological children was among the inducted engineers.
While congratulating the graduates, Akinkurolere reminded them that their induction into NSE and COREN carries significant responsibility.
“You are being formally admitted into a noble profession that demands competence, discipline, innovation, and ethical conduct. The knowledge you have acquired here is only the foundation; the real learning begins now,” she said.
She urged them to embrace teamwork, continuous professional development, and uphold the ethical standards of the profession at all times.
In his keynote address titled “Beyond Degree: Building a Sustainable Career in Engineering,” a past National President of NSE, Ademola Olorunfemi, stressed the importance of integrity and character in career advancement.
He noted that while academic excellence may open doors, it is integrity, adaptability, and continuous skill acquisition that sustain professional growth.
Olorunfemi encouraged the inductees to remain teachable, leverage technology, and continually sharpen their competencies to carve a niche for themselves in the competitive engineering landscape.
The induction into NSE was performed by the National President of NSE, Ali Rabiu, represented by Seyi Odunuga, Chairman of the NSE, Mowe Branch, alongside Dr. Abayomi Layeni, Chairman of the NSE, Ilaro Branch.
Similarly, the COREN President, Prof. Sadiq Abubakar, represented by Dr. Folasade Adebayo, a COREN board member for the South-West, conducted the induction of the graduates into the regulatory body.
The 381 engineering graduates form part of the 5,808 students who were awarded degrees at the university’s 35th convocation ceremony recently held in Ago-Iwoye.
