The first NAE Fellows’ Forum for the 2024/2025 academy year was held on 5th November 2024. Two papers were delivered, the first by Engr. Kenneth Nwanze, FAEng was titled, “Understanding the Potential of Generative AI to Deliver Value to the Economy and the Society at Large.” The second, by Professor Mike Faborode, FAEng was titled, “ Way Forward Post-NAE Public Forum on Engineering Education of 7th May 2024 in Abuja.”
Kenneth Nwanze described the development of Generative AI and mentioned the various strategic areas where it can add value. In order for Nigeria to move forward effectively on AI, he recommended the following:
l · Incorporate AI into engineering curricula
l · Bridge the AI skills gap in the country
l · Develop a local AI talent pool
l · Foster an AI innovation ecosystem
l · Incorporate courses on AI ethics and responsible AI development.
Engr Bako Wakil, FNSE, a former Director in the Nigerian Communications Commission (NCCC), the special guest invited to comment on the paper, explained the regulatory issues that need to be addressed and the measures that should be put in place for the country to benefit from AI and avoid negative impacts.
Prof Mike Faborode reported on the outcome of the NAE Public Forum on Engineering Education and listed the following as priority areas for action:
l Building a robust engineering education infrastructure and ecosystem that is conducive for practical learning and reversing the inverted pyramid structure of engineering cadres.
l Implementing a paradigm shift in the engineering education curriculum to reflect emerging engineering competences.
l Prioritising Technology/Technical and Vocational Education and Training (TVET)
l Adopting the triple-helix paradigm, involving interaction and cooperation between academia, universities and government.
l Improving on the engineering residency schemes and
l Utilising existing “hidden” capacities in the engineering ecosystem
Prof. Idris Bugaje, FNSE, Executive Secretary of the National Board for Technical Education (NBTE), the special guest for the Engineering Education paper, expressed NBTE’s support for the priority areas identified and mentioned the initiatives NBTE is taking.
NAE will follow up on all the recommendations on AI through its ICT and Digital Technology Committee and on Engineering Education through its Engineering Education Committee, and its Technical and Vocational Education and Training (TVET) Committee. It will also engage with the various stakeholders in the country as well as the relevant regulators, and professional and governmental institutions and agencies.
