Prof. Mogaji gave the charge during the induction of new Engineering Graduates of Olusegun Agagu University of Science and Technology (OAUSTECH), Okitipupa, Ondo State into the Nigerian Society of Engineers (NSE).
Delivering a lecture titled: "Harnessing Emerging Technologies for Sustainable National Development: The Role of Young Engineers”, during the induction ceremony held for fresh Engineering Graduates at OAUSTECH, Okitipupa on Thursday, 5th March, 2026, Prof. Mogaji said that engineering was bedrock of sustainable national development through the practical application of science, mathematics and creativity to design, build, and maintain structures, machines, systems, and processes.
The don also urged the Federal Government to always engage professionals in infrastructural development and ensure proper funding of the universities to produce more engineers in order to bridge the gap between quacks and professionals.
According to him, the young engineers must harness and deploy emerging technologies which encompass AI and can be applicable in solving tasks in real time, increase productivity and Domestic Gross Product (GDP) of the country.
"The young engineers have been put through various tutorials and practical skills which have equipped them, they need to go out there and do great exploits by solving myriads of infrastructural challenges bedeviling our country."
"I also appeal to government to properly fund universities to produce more engineers and engage professionals in order to bridge the gap between professionals and quacks to arrest infrastructural challenges", he stated.
Similarly, the Chairman, NSE, Akure Chapter, Engr. Oluwaseun Adeyeye, urged the young engineers not to stop learning, saying that engineering field was constantly evolving, adding that it's essential was to stay updated with the latest technologies, trends and best practices.
He also advised them to engage in collaboration and networking, which are vital in the profession, adding that engineers often work as teams and collaborate with other professionals to achieve common goals.
“As engineers, we have responsibilities to uphold highest standards of ethics and integrity, we must ensure that our work is guided by principles of safety, sustainability and social responsibility”, Adeyeye hinted.
In his remarks, OAUSTECH's Vice-Chancellor, Prof. Temi Ologunorisa congratulated the young engineers for the accomplishments, enjoining them to do great exploits by applying forthrightly knowledge and skills that have been imparted in them during their stay in the University.
The Vice-Chancellor, represented by Deputy Vice-Chancellor Academics, Prof. Foluso Adetuyi, encouraged the young engineers not to rest on their oars, but collaborate and network in order to bring great solutions and development to the society.
In his welcome address, Dean, School of Engineering and Engineering Technology, Prof. Isaac Olaniyan thanked parents of the young engineers for their sacrifices and unwavering supports for their wards.
“We are living in an era defined by rapid technological evolution, especially as we transit from 4IR to 5IR which are AI, robotics, Internet of Things (IoT), renewable energies, Building Information Systems (BIM) among others."
“Nations that have developed economically invested heavily in innovation and engineering excellence through deliberate and strategic engagement of young professionals,” Olaniyan said.
The newly-inducted engineers by NSE in OAUSTECH for 2024/2025 academic session numbered 220, with 84 from Civil Engineering, 59 from Mechanical Engineering and 77 from Electrical/Electronics Engineering.
Highlight of the induction was presentation of awards to the best graduating students of the across various departments in the School, while the occasion was graced by people from the academia and industry, as parents, other students and the public were there to rejoice with their fresh engineers.
Source:
Directorate of Information, Protocol and Public Relations (DIPPR),
OAUSTECH