The Nigerian Institution of Mechanical Engineers (NIMechE), on Thursday, conducted the ground breaking ceremony for its Mechanical Engineering Technology Advancement Academy at Iperu-Remo in Ogun.
Iperu-Remo is near the Redemption Camp of the Redeemed Christian Church of God located at Kilometre 45, Lagos-Ibadan Expressway.
The Traditional Ruler of Iperu Remo, Oba Adeleke Basibo, the Alaperu of Iperu Remo, conducted the ground breaking ceremony.
The NIMechE National Chairman, Dr Olufunmilade Akingbagbohu, said at the event that the academy would nurture the next generation of engineers.
Akingbagbohu said that the academy was aimed at bridging the gap between theoretical knowledge and practical skills in mechanical engineering.
She added that it would equip young mechanical engineers with the skills needed to thrive in a rapidly-evolving industry.
“The academy aims to train 5,000 young engineers for the labour market, empowering them through learning, training, internship programmes and certification courses,” she said.
“The collaborative efforts with MacArthur incorporated in Canada were important toward realising the goal, we also there were plans to have trainers from MacArthur to contribute to the academy’s programmes.
Akingbagbohun added that the academy is first of its kind and would collaborate with University of Lagos, Toyota Nigeria, Naval dockyard and Innoson Motors to aid impartation of requisite knowledge.
According to her the academy would give attention to the ongoing conversion from petrol to gas engines as the Nigeria Liquidfied Natural Gas Ltd. had promised to put up a building in the academy while Sir Keshinton Adebutu, Founder of Premier Lotto, promised to build a workshop in the academy.
She called on other well- meaning Nigerians, organisations and governments to support the project tagged: “Graduate Employability Programme”.
“The host community need be rest assured that the project would attract rapid development to the area as there deliberate revised curriculum in tertiary institution geared toward promotion of industrial growth and development.” Akingbagbohu said.
She thanked the Managing Director of IMMAC Group, Chief Kole Olatunji, for donating the land for the construction of academy building facilities.
The National President of the Nigerian Society of Engineers (NSE), Mr Tasiu Gidari-Wudil, represented by Mr Abass Mohammed, thanked NIMechE for the project which, he said, would go a long way to close the gap between classroom theory and practical skills.
The Chairman of the Board of Mechanical Engineering Technology Advancement Academy, Mr Seun Faluyi, said that Nigerian engineers would need to contribute more to national development and capacity building of their members.
According to him, in spite of high unemployment rate in the country, some employers are unable to fill some vacancies due to lack of relevant skills by job applicants.
He added that the academy would train and prepare graduate mechanical engineers in Nigeria with skills to contribute to national development.
The Wife of Ogun Governor, Mrs Bamidele Abiodun, represented by Mrs Fakoya Bolanle, congratulated NIMechE for the initiative.
She promised to continue to support educational projects while envisaging that in terms of capacity building the academy would make much impacts.