AI-driven innovation is vital for Nigeria’s future, says NSE Lagos to young engineers

The newly inducted young engineers into the Nigerian Society of Engineers (NSE) Lagos Branch have been urged to leverage Artificial Intelligence (AI) as a key tool to address Nigeria’s pressing challenges. During the ceremony at the University of Lagos, discussions centered on the transformative role AI could play in engineering and the nation’s development.

At the Graduateship Induction Programme held at the University of Lagos, Engr. Olukorede Kesha, Chairman of the NSE Lagos Branch, delivered an inspiring address stating the pivotal role of AI in the country’s progress. She described the moment as an opportunity for young engineers to take charge of Nigeria’s future.

Engr. Kesha, speaking to the new engineers, stated, “The nation is calling on you to lead. Will you be spectators, or will you lead the change? Will you be remembered as the generation that transformed Nigeria?”

Engr. Kesha urged the inductees to view AI as a powerful tool for innovation and societal advancement. She challenged them to think beyond conventional solutions, stating the importance of “breaking the box apart and building something entirely new.”

She also acknowledged AI’s transformative potential in various fields, including infrastructure and healthcare, while stressing the importance of ethical development and deployment of AI technologies to mitigate risks like job displacement.

“The question is not just what you can build with AI, but how you can wield it to transform our society,” she added.

Guest speaker Engr. Dideolu Falobi reinforced the significance of AI literacy for engineers in the modern era. He described AI as a revolutionary tool, not a threat, encouraging the young professionals to embrace its potential.

“For any young engineer coming out of school, education is incomplete if you are not conversant with the basics of AI,” Engr. Falobi noted. “This revolution is about creating opportunities and developing new skills.”