The Nigerian Institution of Mechanical Engineers (NIMechE) and the Naval Dockyard Ltd., has begun discussion on areas of partnerships and training of mechanical engineering graduates.
NIMechE’s National Chairperson, Dr Funmi Akingbagbohun, reached the agreement with the dockyard during a courtesy call to the naval dockyard on Thursday in Lagos.
Akingbagbohun said that it was important to train potential mechanical engineers with practical required skills needed to take over the mechanical industry in the future.
“We are happy on the partnership to train the mechanical engineers in the dockyard and would begin to put in place necessary requirements to achieve this.
“It is important to groom the younger mechanical engineers that would take up the centre stage of the industry soon, as we are no longer at the centre stage,” she said.
According to her, the naval dockyard stands as a testament to human ingenuity and engineering excellence and a hub of innovation, where precision engineering meets the challenges of the sea.
She said that the dockyard is not just about ships; it encompasses a wide range of mechanical systems and equipment, including cranes, heavy machinery, and advanced robotics.
The chairperson noted that the partnership extends beyond the confines of a contractual arrangement, but a collaborative journey where knowledge is shared, problems are solved and progress is made together.
“We work hand in hand with the skilled personnel at the naval dockyard, understanding their requirements and tailoring our engineering solutions to meet their specific needs.
“This partnership is not static; it is dynamic and evolving. As technology advances and the maritime industry faces new challenges, mechanical engineers adapt and innovate.
“For the Naval Dockyard, it means access to cutting-edge technologies, cost-effective solutions, and the assurance of quality in every mechanical component.
“Mechanical engineers, in turn, gain invaluable real-world experience, exposure to unique challenges and the satisfaction of contributing to the defense and security of our nation,” she said.
According to her, NIMechE embraces the spirit of continuous improvement and always strive to develop better, more efficient and sustainable solutions for the naval sector.
In his response, the Admiral Supretendent, Naval Dockyard Ltd., Rear Admiral Abolaji Orederu, expressed readiness to partner with NIMechE to train the young mechanical engineers.
Orederu said the dockyard and the institute would look into designing a programme for young graduates to be trained and fit into what the dockyard is doing.
“It can be a one-year programme and if we look at their performances, it is either they would qualify for employment here or not.
“We are ready for collaborations with NIMechE and also open to work together with the institute in any possible areas,” he said.
The admiral superintendent saidd that the role of engineering in national development cannot be overemphasised.
Orederu maintained that no nation can grow without developing its engineering industry, saying, ‘it is the incubator of innovation and creativity that most societies depend on’.
“The advanced countries are ahead of us basically because of engineering, and we cannot afford to be left behind.
“I am happy about the conversation that we are having and at the national level, because people are beginning to see the importance of engineering,” he said.
According to him, the naval dockyard is the premier logistics facility of the Nigerian Navy, with a specialised role in terms of building ships and badges for the navy, ship maintenance and all kinds of marine structures.
Orederu said that these services is extended to others industries such as oil, shipping and general marine.
