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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
Yobe State EXCO Line Up Projects For Commissiong
By: Mamman Mohammed
The Yobe state executive council at its first meeting of the year today lined up some infrastructural projects completed and ready for commissioning.
Addressing the media after the EXCO Meeting, the state Commissioner for Information, Alh. Abdullahi Bego, said “these projects and programmes cut across many sectors, including healthcare, agriculture, education, road construction and Empowerment.
The council resolved to embark on a major modernization initiative to change the face of Damaturu to a befitting state capital in 2025.
The council expressed confidence that many of the ongoing legacy that will be ready for commissioning soon “include the Potiskum Modern Market, Ngalda and Yunusari markets all of which are currently at 90% stages of completion, and the Geidam Modern Market which is now at 75% completion stage, and the Potiskum Truck Transit Park now at 90 percent completion stage”.
The EXCO noted that the four modern SESAME SEEDS processing factories in Machina, Nguru, Potiskum and Damaturu have been completed and ready for inauguration.
Similarly, the phase one of the Fika-Maluri road has been completed while work on the second phase is ongoing. The Kukuri-Chukuriwa-Dawasa is 95% completed, Karasuwa-Galu- Gashu’a main road is completed.
“The Gashu’a-Masaba road is at 48% completion, Chumbusko-Tagali road is 100% completed, Nguru-Balanguwa is 75% completed, while Balanguwa-Kumaganam is at 60% completion stage.
“Danchuwa-Garin Bingel (100% completed); and the Danchuwa-Jajere road (97% completion stage); with a number of township roads under the first phase in Nguru, Jajimaji, Gashu’a, Potiskum, Damagum, Damaturu, Buni-Yadi, Babban Gida, and Geidam completed.
In the second phase, Nguru township roads were completed 100%; Potiskum and Damaturu are at 80% while Geidam and Gashu’a township roads are now at 40% stages of completion. We also have ongoing township road projects in Fika, Buni-Yadi and Yunusari towns.
The Damaturu-Buni Yadi, Damaturu-Bayamari, Potiskum-Gashu’a, Bayamari-Yunusari, and Geidam-Bukarti roads cut off by the floods last year have been repaired.
“There is also ongoing rehabilitation of Yunusari-Yusufari road; Jajimaji-Karasuwa road; Yunusari-Kafiya-Kanamma road junction.
“The state government is also currently constructing a road from Potiskum to Ngojin and from Fadawa to Daya in Fika Local Government area” the council stated.
The state executive council noted the delivery of healthcare equipment to the state donated by World Medical Relief in the United States.
“These equipment include hospital beds, infusion pumps, patient monitors, surgical instruments and tools, defibrillators, fetal monitors and ventilators, amongst others”.
The EXCO. noted with satisfaction the graduation of the Buni Scholars in India in the face of the economic challenges making the state proud with increase in qualified personnel in various fields.
Yobe State EXCO Line Up Projects For Commissiong
WEF 2025: Nigeria, Global Leaders Target $29trn African Economy By 2050
** As VP Shettima reaffirms Nigeria’s resolve to champion AfCFTA
By: Our Reporter
Vice President Kashim Shettima has joined other world leaders to push for the full implementation of the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA) with a target to boost Africa’s economy to $29 trillion by 2050.
He restated Nigeria’s readiness to spearhead the AfCFTA and take advantage of the market potential of the sector for digital transformation and economic integration of the African continent.
This is just as the President of the World Economic Forum (WEF), Børge Brende, pointed out the transformative potential of the AfCFTA, projecting that its full implementation could boost Africa’s economy to $29 trillion by 2050.
Senator Shettima and the global leaders declared their nations’ positions on Wednesday during a forum of Friends of AfCFTA on the sidelines of the ongoing 2025 annual meeting of the World Economic Forum (WEF) in Davos, Switzerland.
The Vice President, while addressing the forum tagged, “Forum Friends of AfCFTA: Turning Digital Trade into a Catalyst for Growth in Africa,” reaffirmed Nigeria’s commitment to AfCFTA as a vehicle for shared prosperity.
According to VP Shettima, Africa stands in a unique position to take advantage of global talent deficits, citing a Korn Ferry study that projects a global human talent shortage of more than 85 million people by 2030.
“By 2050, Nigeria’s population will surpass that of the United States, becoming the third most populous nation on earth at 440 million people,” he stated.
Citing Africa’s growing digital landscape, the VP said Nigeria’s technological strength is propelling it into the knowledge age.
“Today, we have 220 million telecom subscribers and 163 million internet users in Nigeria alone. This provides us with immense opportunities to empower our people. While our highest oil export earnings were $35 billion in 2011, India last year earned about $120 billion from outsourcing alone.
“The African Continental Free Trade Area is not only an economic arrangement but a bold statement of our shared destiny,” VP Shettima stated, adding that while Africa may have missed the agricultural and industrial ages, it is positioned to thrive in the post-industrial knowledge age.
On his part, the WEF President, Brende, while welcoming Vice President Shettima and other African leaders to the “Forum Friends of AfCFTA,” said Africa’s demographic advantage presents huge economic opportunities for the continent.
He noted that while most nations face workforce challenges, Africa’s young population positions it for unprecedented growth.
“If the Secretary General of the AfCFTA is given all the support he deserves, we can boost intra-African trade by a staggering 50%.
“As of today, $29 trillion represents one-third of the global GDP. Africa is such a growing continent, and one of its key promises is demography. The challenge now is creating new jobs for the youth population,” he stated.
Others who spoke at the event included the Presidents of South Africa, Cyril Ramaphosa; Botswana, Duma Boko; DR Congo, Felix Tshisekedi; Somalia, Hassan Sheikh Mohamud; Prime Minister of Egypt, Mostafa Madbouly; Confederation of African Football President, Patrice Motsepe; Former British Prime Minister, Tony Blair; amongst numerous global CEOs.
WEF 2025: Nigeria, Global Leaders Target $29trn African Economy By 2050
MAN OF THE YEAR Award By THISDAY Newspapers/ARISE Media Group
CELEBRATING PRESIDENT BOLA TINUBU
The President/Commander in Chief of the Armed Forces of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, His Excellency, Bola Tinubu, has been announced “MAN OF THE YEAR” by THISDAY Newspapers and ARISE News Board of Editors.
The prestigious recognition reaffirmed Mr. President’s exemplary leadership, visionary thinking, and unwavering commitment to transforming the country amid mounting economic and security challenges.
The awards organisers also noted that the President has marched on with courage and determination to change Nigeria for the better, and proven to be a leader who is driven more by convictions and taken decisions which are in the best interest of the nation.
To commemorate this milestone, THISDAY is unveiling a Special Edition on Monday, January 27, 2025, to afford the President’s
aides, friends, well-wishers, and associates the opportunity to share in the joy and pride that the award brings to Mr. President through placement of Congratulatory/Goodwill messages to honour the awardee among other award recipients.
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MAN OF THE YEAR Award By THISDAY Newspapers/ARISE Media Group
“GOODBYES ARE NOT THE END, BUT THE BEGINNING OF NEW JOURNEYS,” SAYS MAJOR GENERAL MAINA………as He Hands Over to Major General UM Alkali, the 7th Commandant of AWCN
Yobe State EXCO Line Up Projects For Commissiong
WEF 2025: Nigeria, Global Leaders Target $29trn African Economy By 2050
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