The Nigerian Institute of Electrical and Electronic Engineers (NIEEE), Calabar Chapter, has inaugurated Engr. Obasi Sam Ojah, MNSE, MNIEEE, MIAENG, as its third Chairman alongside the 2026 Executive Committee, with a renewed commitment to strengthening professional competence, expanding membership, and closing the gap between academic qualifications and practical engineering skills.
By Victoria Omini- CALABAR
Speaking during his inauguration in Calabar, Engr. Ojah described his emergence as a call to service, promising to lead the chapter with integrity, transparency, competence and accountability while pursuing initiatives that would reposition the institute as a leading platform for professional development.
He identified the widening gap between academic certification and practical competence as one of the biggest challenges facing the engineering profession, noting that many graduates possess the required qualifications but lack industry relevant skills, while many experienced technicians remain disadvantaged because they lack professional certification.
According to him, his administration will focus on bridging the divide by encouraging professional registration, promoting continuous technical training and creating opportunities for engineers to acquire globally competitive skills.
He disclosed that the chapter would embark on an aggressive publicity and membership drive to attract engineering graduates into the institute, particularly through stronger engagement with student chapters in tertiary institutions, including the University of Calabar and the University of Cross River State.
Ojah said the initiative would ensure students transition seamlessly from student membership to graduate and corporate membership, thereby increasing the number of certified professionals within the institute.
He commended the immediate past Chairman, Engr. Dr. Kassim Ojiebe, for laying a solid foundation through the establishment of active student chapters and sustained collaboration with higher institutions.
The new chairman also announced plans to institutionalise quarterly professional training programmes over the next two years to enable members remain relevant in an industry driven by rapid technological advancement.
He revealed that the chapter had signed a Memorandum of Understanding with Jervis Smart Solutions Limited to organise practical training on ETAP, one of the world's leading power system analysis software applications, at a subsidised fee of ₦50,000, significantly lower than the prevailing market cost.
He encouraged final year students, postgraduate students, young engineers and practising professionals to take advantage of the programme to improve their technical competence and employability.
Ojah further disclosed that the chapter was concluding discussions on another partnership with the Industrial Training Fund aimed at expanding training opportunities for members, while also seeking collaboration with corporate organisations and senior professionals to subsidise the cost of technical capacity development.
He stressed that investment in human capital remained the greatest investment any society could make, adding that the welfare of members would remain a priority of his administration.
Calling for unity among members, Ojah urged engineers to actively participate in the activities of the institute and support initiatives that would advance the profession.
"I pledge to discharge the responsibilities entrusted to me with diligence, integrity, transparency and unwavering commitment. The doors of this administration will remain open to constructive criticism, innovative ideas and meaningful collaboration," he stated.
Delivering the inauguration lecture, the National Chairman of the Nigerian Institute of Electrical and Electronic Engineers challenged professionals to place greater emphasis on practical competence rather than paper qualifications, warning that the increasing disconnect between theory and practice had created opportunities for quacks to thrive within the engineering profession.
He noted that while academic certificates may secure employment opportunities, practical skills determine professional relevance and long term success, stressing that professional bodies must continue to uphold standards through regular training, certification and enforcement.
The National Chairman urged the newly inaugurated leadership to strengthen professional standards, increase membership and sustain collaboration with academic institutions and industry stakeholders.
He also encouraged members to participate in the institute's forthcoming 22nd International Conference and Exhibition on Power and Telecommunications scheduled to hold in Port Harcourt later this year.
The inauguration attracted fellows of the institute, senior engineers, academics, industry stakeholders, government officials, students and members of the engineering community, who expressed confidence that the new leadership would further strengthen the activities and influence of the NIEEE Calabar Chapter.
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