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Experts Calls for Certification to Combat Electrical Quackery
Experts Calls for Certification to Combat Electrical Quackery
By: Michael Mike
Experts in the electrical/power sector have called for rigorous skills development and certification among practitioners to combat the growing numbers of quackery in the industry.
This was the main focus at the 16th fellowship conferment of the Nigerian Institute of Electrical and Electronic Engineers (NIEEE) held in Abuja at the weekend
The President of NIEEE, Engr Felix Olu, highlighted the critical need to address the problem of unqualified individuals handling electrical jobs, which often leads to faulty installations and hazardous conditions.
He said: “Quackery in electrical work is a major issue due to the engagement of unqualified individuals and the use of substandard materials.”
He lamented that many people opt for the cheapest available options due to economic pressures, thereby exacerbating the problem.
Olu said to curb this menace, the NIEEE has been proactive for over a decade now, adding the recognising the impending crisis, electrical engineers across Nigeria came together to advocate for regulatory measures. He noted that these concerted efforts resulted in the proposal of a bill in the National Assembly to establish the Chartered Institute of Electrical and Electronics Engineering of Nigeria. This bill was successfully passed and signed into law by former President Muhammadu Buhari in 2023.
According to him: “This new regulation mandates certification for all electrical and electronic engineering practitioners in Nigeria, encompassing engineers, technicians, technologists, and craftsmen. Certified practitioners will now carry insignia such as badges, certificates, and seals, allowing the public to identify and verify their qualifications easily.”
He emphasized the importance of this regulation in reducing incidents of faulty installations and fire hazards. “With the establishment of this organization, Nigerians can now identify who is qualified to do electrical jobs, thereby significantly reducing the risk of accidents caused by substandard work,” he added.
Speaking on the event, Olu noted that it marked the awarding of fellowships to distinguished members of the NIEEE, recognizing their significant contributions to the profession and society. He explained that this prestigious honor is awarded after a rigorous screening process, ensuring that only the most qualified and dedicated professionals are recognized.
He noted that: “Furthermore, the NIEEE has been proactive in addressing current technological trends and their implications. The theme of the event, focused on artificial intelligence and digital transformation, reflects the institute’s commitment to staying abreast of global developments and educating both its members and the public. As engineers, we need to educate ourselves, share knowledge, and guide public policy to ensure that Nigeria keeps pace with global technological advancements.”
The Deputy Vice-Chancellor of Aliko Dangote University of Science and Technology, Prof. Nouruddeem Umar, while delivering his paper, stressed the need for monitoring and advancing the field of electrical engineering amid the ongoing fourth industrial revolution.
Umar highlighted the importance of digitization and the role electrical engineers must play in leading this transformation.
He said: “The current era is defined by rapid advancements in AI, machine learning, the Internet of Things, digital twin technology, and more. Our field is uniquely positioned to address diverse challenges across these areas. We must urge all our members to take responsibility and set an agenda for today’s challenges, leveraging our curriculum empowerment.”
He emphasized learning from global models such as China, Malaysia, Singapore, and South Korea, stressing the importance of upskilling the youth population to bridge the skills gap.
“Our youth are our greatest asset. Proper skill development will enable them to understand and engage with new technologies effectively. Support from ministries and agencies is crucial to provide the necessary infrastructure,” he said.
He called for a “train the trainer” approach to extend skill development to the wider community. “While government initiatives are important, experts within our institution must take the lead in upskilling. It’s our collective responsibility to ensure we meet the standards of our global contemporaries.”
Umar advocated for continuous learning and engagement through conferences and workshops to benchmark against global standards. He said: “Everyone here has the responsibility to upskill and address the present challenges. We must work hard to identify and close gaps in our field, ensuring we are well-prepared for the future.”
Experts Calls for Certification to Combat Electrical Quackery
Nine PAP Foreign Scholarship Beneficiaries Bag Master’s Degrees From UK Varsities
•••771 to Graduate in Nigeria in 2025
•••Otuaro Hails Scholars’ Performances
By: Michael Mike
Nine students awarded foreign post-graduate scholarships by the Presidential Amnesty Programme have graduated from their master’s degree rprogrammes in universities in the United Kingdom.
The successful scholars are the first graduates in the offshore post-graduate scholarship deployment to UK institutions by the PAP Administrator, Dr Dennis Otuaro, for the 2024-2025 academic session.
They graduated from the Anglia Ruskin University, University of Dundee and The University of Law with master’s degrees in cyber security, data science and engineering, law, construction and civil engineering management, project management, and ICT.
Also, 711 undergraduate and post-graduate scholarship beneficiaries are expected to graduate from universities within Nigeria this year.
The PAP, on Wednesday, 3 December, 2025, organised a graduation reception for the scholars in London.
Otuaro has congratulated them on their successful graduation, stressing that they completed their programmes in record time which shows the seriousness they had put into their studies.
He said they have justified the Federal Government’s investment in their education with their successful graduation, and urged other beneficiaries not to be distracted in their academic pursuits.
“We congratulate these scholars on their successful graduation. It shows that they took their studies seriously. That is what we demand of every scholarship beneficiary, whether at the undergraduate or post-graduate level”, Otuaro said.
He reiterated his unwavering commitment to expanding the scholarship scheme to create more opportunities for indigent students of Niger Delta extraction to access higher education with a view to closing the human capital development gap in the region.
Otuaro said it was for this reason he deployed 3800 beneficiaries in-country in the 2024-2025 academic year, and increased the figure to 3900 in the 2025-2026 academic session with 200 for foreign scholarships.
Otuaro has so far deployed 7700 students for the PAP scholarship scheme within Nigeria in less than two years.
Within this period, also, he has also deployed 162 students from the region for post-graduate programmes in targeted disciplines in the UK universities.
According to him, this is in conformity with the Renewed Hope Agenda of President Bola Tinubu for the Niger Delta, who has given unprecedented support to the PAP because of his sincere love for the area.
The PAP boss said, “Our decision aligns with the Renewed Hope Agenda of His Excellency, President Bola Ahmed Tinubu GCFR for the Niger Delta. We will continue to create more higher educational opportunities for students from indigent backgrounds in our region.
“We are also deepening the implementation of the programme’s mandate in informal education and other areas for the sustainable peace and socio-economic advancement of the region.”
Nine PAP Foreign Scholarship Beneficiaries Bag Master’s Degrees From UK Varsities
Sunshine Joint Venture Infrastructure Limited Established for Realization of Ondo Project
By: Michael Mike
Sunshine Joint Venture Infrastructure Limited has been incorporated to seamlessly allowed for the Refinery and Free Trade Zone in Ondo State.
A press statement on Thursday read that: “In furtherance of our commitment to the execution of these two major projects – Refinery and Free Trade Zone in conjunction with the Ondo State Government, the joint partners have taken another giant step by incorporating a joint company, namely – SUNSHINE JOINT VENTURE INFRASTRUCTURE LIMITED – as the vehicle to be used in executing these projects. A move that further reinforces the sincerity of purpose and total commitment of the funding partners to move ahead together as a united front.
According to the release by Wale Adekola on behalf of the JV, the Sunshine Joint Venture Infrastructure Limitedwill, going forward serve as the vehicle to work with the Ondo State Government through the Ondo State Investment Promotion Agency (ONDIPA) in the implementation of the executed Memoranda of Understanding (MoUs).
The statement added that: “In moving the projects forward for implementation, the JV team met in Dubai to finalize the funding modalities and put in place structures and plans for the commencement of activities for ground breaking and community engagements. These initial activities are aimed at complementing the 50th Anniversary of the creation of Ondo State and the one year anniversary of the election of the Executive Governor of the Sunshine State, His Excellency, Chief Lucky Orimisan Aiyedatiwa CFR.
At the Dubai meeting were key officers of the JV Company, including: Messrs SALEHI FARHAD; ZAHERI NAVID; EGHBAL KORDJAMSHIDI; SAHEED ZAHERI; DR. STEPHEN DIKE; HENRY OWONKA AND MRS. NAMVAR MARYAM.
The statement further informed that, plans have been concluded to mobilize the relevant contractors working with the locals and host communities to put up structures that will host the information center, architectural models to showcase the projects on offer and facilities that will serve the team. All these are being planned with ONDIPA to execute the relocation and accommodation of the host communities that are likely to be affected by the projects and create a seamless transition that will engender peaceful co-existence and harmonious relationship with our host communities.
The JV company further reiterated its commitment to work with Ondo State Government (through ONDIPA) to change the infrastructural landscape of the Sunshine State and for mutual benefits.
Sunshine Joint Venture Infrastructure Limited Established for Realization of Ondo Project
Edo: Seven suspected bandits arrested along Benin-Agbor Road
By: Zagazola Makama
Seven suspected bandits were arrested along the Benin–Agbor Road in Edo State during stop-and-search operations, security sources confirmed.
Sources told Zagazola Makama that the suspects, all Fulani youths, were intercepted after being offloaded from a truck at about 1800 hours on 2 December 2025. A search revealed pictures of assault rifles, including AK-47s, on their mobile phones.
Upon interrogation, the suspects claimed to have travelled from Adamawa State. Investigations are ongoing for the possible recovery of actual firearms and to determine their involvement in criminal activities.
Security agencies have urged members of the public to report any suspicious movements to help prevent criminal acts in the area.
Edo: Seven suspected bandits arrested along Benin-Agbor Road
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