NSE Ogbomoso Branch inaugurates first female chairman, emphasises blended learning in Engineering
pannigeriannews
4 min read
By Isaiah Adewole
The Nigerian Society of Engineers (NSE), Ogbomoso (The Valiant Branch), on Tuesday, held a historic ceremony at Ladoke Akintola University of Technology (LAUTECH), inaugurating Engr. Prof. Alice Oluwafunke Oke as its 6th Chairman and the first female to occupy the position.
The outgoing branch Chairman, Engr. Prof. Samson Olakunle Ojoawo (FNSE), who welcomed all attendees to the historic inauguration, emphasised that “the outgoing regime rolled on the shoulders of the four previous Exco sets; utilised the principle of excellence, innovation, and inclusiveness and largely fulfilled most of the set goals.”
Ojoawo also stated that the outgoing regime’s legacies include the rollout of an aggressive membership drive, extension to new meeting places, collaboration with the national body of Agricultural Society, underscoring the relevance of engineering practice in addressing prevailing societal challenges, the construction of the NSE Ogbomoso Ultramodern Secretariat, among others.
He also felicitated the 4th APWEN Chairman, Engr. Prof. Oluwafunmilayo Nihinlola Osuolale who was equally inaugurated along with her team of Exco members.
The Chairman of the occasion, Engr. Ali Alimasuya Rabiu FNSE, ably represented by the National Exco Member, Assets Management, Engr. Ayotunde Ogunnaike (FNSE) in his opening remark appreciated the reception accorded to him.
He described the NSE Ogbomoso Branch as exceptionally vibrant and also commended the members for their dedication to building its membership base.
“The NSE Ogbomoso Branch has been exceptionally vibrant, demonstrating commitment and excellence in all spheres of its activities.
“I commend all members for such dedication particularly in building our membership base.”
Delivering the keynote lecture titled “Transforming Professional Education through Blended Learning,” the Guest Speaker, Engr. Prof. Tayo Arulogun, the Vice-Chancellor of Miva Open University, reiterated the need to train more women.
He stressed said, “For the society to improve, we must train more women. We must give more women power, opportunities.”
He also emphasised the urgent need for integrating digital learning with traditional engineering training.
“Transformation is already here. The future we are thinking we are going into is already here,” he said.
He noted that modern engineering practice demands not only theoretical knowledge but also adaptability to emerging technologies, stressing that blended learning provides a pathway to bridge skill gaps in Nigeria’s engineering sector.
He highlighted the role of virtual laboratories, remote collaboration tools, and continuous professional development in preparing engineers for global competitiveness.
Prof. Arulogun further urged institutions to key into blended learning because students have short attention span and are easily distracted., saying “The students we are talking about have short attention span and you must meet them in their own field if we really want to help them in this age.”
He also advocate the adoption of hybrid accreditation page, regional learning hubs across Nigeria, industry partnerships, institutions pipeline job and bringing experts from industries into the universities.
The new Chairman, Engr. Prof. Alice Oluwafunke Oke, in her inaugural address, described her emergence as chairman as “a call to service and a symbol of possibility for women in engineering.”
“Today, as I stand before you, having taken the oath of office as the sixth chairman and first female chairman of this Branch, I am not taking this responsibility lightly but with a deep sense of duty, clear sense of purpose and an unwavering commitment to service.”
“Our administration will focus on clear strategic priorities. We will align with the NSE strategic framework, key into the reset NSE agenda. We will strengthen collaboration with institutions and industries because engineering thrives on partnership. We will reinvigorate our meetings, making them hubs of innovation, knowledge sharing and professional growth.”
She pledged to complete the construction of the NSE Ogbomoso Branch Secretariat which is part of her seven-point agenda.
She appreciated the donations received towards the project and further advocated more donations towards the project.
She expressed gratitude to the Guests of Honour, Fathers and Mother of the Day, Awardees, Guest Speaker and everyone for their presence, sacrifice and contribution. She thanked the leadership of the Nigerian Society of Engineers at all levels for the guidance.
She also congratulated Engr. Prof. Nihinlola Osuolale on her inauguration as the 4th APWEN chairman.
Emphasising the vision of her administration, she said, “This is not just a new administration, it is a chapter of purpose, progress and impact.”
The event also included presentation of awards and honours to many distinguished individuals for their contributions to engineering, academia, and community development.
The event was graced by notable figures including the Pionier Chairman, NSE Ogbomoso Branch, Engr. Prof. Olusegun James Oyelade; Vice Chancellor of LAUTECH, Prof. Rasaq Olatunde Rom Kalilu, represented by the University Librarian, Prof. Mrs. Adefunke Sarah Ebijuwa; immediate past Rector, Federal Polytechnic Ayede, Engr. Dr. Taofeek Adekunle Abdul-Hameed (FNSE); President of the Association of Professional Women Engineers (APWEN) Engr. Chinyere Igwegbe among other distinguished personalities.
Others inaugurated alongside Prof. Oke were Engr. Prof. R. O. Abolade as Vice Chairman; Engr. Prof. M. O. Aremu as General Secretary; Engr. Prof. O. S. Olaniyan serving as Treasurer; Engr. Dr. M. O. Fajobi as Publicity Secretary; Engr. Dr. A. A. Sulaiman as Financial Secretary; Engr. S. O. A. Akinola as Technical Secretary; Engr. A. O. Oderinlo as Assistant General Secretary, and Engr. M. A. Ahmed as Assistant Technical Secretary.
Also, part of the leadership structure of the branch include Engr. Prof. S. O. Ojoawo immediate past chairman and Ex-Officio I, Engr. Prof. A. O. Ajeyoba as Chairman of Oyo State NiSafetyE, and Engr. Prof. L. O. Mudashiru as Chairman of NiMechE of Ogbomoso, while Engr. J. O. Adeyanju serves as Ex-Officio II, Engr. S.O.A. Akinola holds the position of Technical Secretary, Engr. Prof. F. N. Osuolale as APWEN chairman of Ogbomoso branch.
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