Business leader and investment expert, Dr Akintoye Akindele, has disclosed plans to support young Nigerian engineers through postgraduate scholarships and internship opportunities in renewable energy as part of efforts to strengthen local expertise and technological innovation.
Akindele made this known while addressing graduating engineering students during their induction into the Nigerian Society of Engineers at the Federal University of Agriculture, Abeokuta, Ogun State.
The investment expert, who was the special guest of honour at the ceremony, said the proposed initiative would provide opportunities for young engineers to acquire specialised knowledge and practical experience in emerging technologies.
He explained that the initiative formed part of broader efforts to prepare Nigerian engineers to address challenges in sustainable energy, healthcare, infrastructure and technological development.
“We also intend to advance opportunities for young engineers through postgraduate scholarships or internships in renewable energy. The specific arrangements and implementation details will need to be communicated through the appropriate channels,” he said.
According to him, Africa requires a new generation of engineers equipped with the technical expertise, creativity and entrepreneurial capacity to develop solutions to the continent’s pressing challenges.
Akindele expressed concern that African countries continued to depend heavily on technologies developed elsewhere, urging young professionals to move beyond consuming innovations to developing solutions suited to local needs.
He added, “Do not simply become consumers of technology created elsewhere. Develop the confidence and competence to become creators, inventors, entrepreneurs, and problem-solvers.
“Africa needs engineers who understand the realities of our environment and can develop solutions that work for our people. We need people who can build sustainable businesses, improve infrastructure, strengthen industries, and create opportunities for others.”
The business leader also disclosed that organisations and investments he represents were supporting emerging technologies, including the development of a flying motorcycle scheduled for launch in Dubai on December 9 and 10.
He described the innovation as an indication of the rapid transformation taking place in engineering and mobility technology.
Akindele expressed optimism that similar innovations could be introduced to Nigerian engineering students to expose them to emerging technological possibilities.
“My hope is that, by the next induction ceremony, we will have made progress towards bringing an example of this kind of innovation here, so that you can see it for yourselves and appreciate what engineering can achieve,” he said.
Speaking on the growing influence of artificial intelligence, Akindele urged the graduating engineers not to regard technological advancement as a threat to their professional relevance.
He explained that while computers and artificial intelligence could increasingly perform complex calculations and technical tasks, human creativity, critical thinking and sound judgment would remain essential to engineering practice.
“As engineers, you must recognize that your value extends beyond the calculations you can perform. Your value lies in your ability to identify problems, ask the right questions, interpret results, exercise judgment, and imagine solutions that others have not yet considered,” he stated.
He added, “Technology should expand your capacity, not diminish your confidence.”
Drawing from his professional experience, Akindele recounted how his background in chemical engineering enabled him to explore opportunities in banking, information technology, investment and infrastructure development.
He said his career began as a process engineer at the Nigerian National Petroleum Corporation before his growing interest in project financing led him into banking and investment.
According to him, the transition demonstrated the importance of adaptability and continuous learning in an increasingly interconnected global economy.
He encouraged the graduates to acquire knowledge beyond their immediate areas of specialisation, noting that modern engineering challenges often required collaboration across multiple disciplines.
The investment expert further identified sustainable energy, healthcare, quality of life and security as four critical areas where engineers could make significant contributions to Africa’s development.
He maintained that addressing these challenges would require professionals capable of combining technical competence with innovation, entrepreneurship and a commitment to improving society.
Akindele also urged young Nigerians to participate actively in decisions affecting their future rather than leaving national development entirely to older generations.
“You are not too young to make a difference. You are not too young to contribute to national development. You are not too young to participate in the conversations and decisions that will shape your future,” he said.
He advised the newly inducted engineers to embrace curiosity, adaptability, long-term thinking, sustained effort and compassion as guiding principles for their professional and personal development.
The business leader stressed that engineering should not be viewed merely as a means of securing employment or accumulating wealth but as a profession capable of transforming communities and improving lives.
He encouraged the graduates to remain resilient in the face of setbacks, embrace technological changes and develop solutions that would create lasting value for society.
“You are entering a profession that gives you the tools to change the world. What you choose to do with those tools is now up to you,” Akindele added.
