Foundation To Bridge Manpower Shortage In Power Sector

A foundation in honour of Foluseke Abidemi Somolu, has been raised to tackle the manpower shortage in the power sector.

The Foundation, which is a not-for -profit organisation in memory of the late four-decade veteran of the Nigerian power industry, would serve as a power engineering training hub.

The Chairman board of trustees of the Foundation, Dr. Olatokunbo Somolu, explained that the Foundation was conceived as embodying the best qualities of the late Somolu, his excitement about engineering and technology, his intellectual curiosity and great desire that the highest standard of professionalism be combined with cutting edge technology as well as business savvy to drive a vibrant and sustainable sector that will meaningfully contribute to Nigerian and African progress.

She said the foundation is expected to meet the following objectives in the country, which include: to promote leadership and entrepreneurship in the Nigerian power engineering sector; support upcoming generations of engineering students and aspiring power engineers to distinguish themselves in theory and practice; and support education, teaching and research in the Nigerian electrical and power engineering (generation, transmission and distribution) sector.

Also to promote and celebrate excellence in power engineering professional practice as well as promoting the adoption and advancement of technology in Nigeria.

She added that the foundation aims to achieve the above goals by using a diverse range of programmes and media.

These include, “prizes to electrical engineering undergraduates and postgraduate students, award of excellence to practicing electrical power engineers in the public and private sectors, research grants for doctoral students, hosting annual symposium and workshops as well as sponsorship of electrical engineering publications, seminars and standard development among others.”

In his address, the Chairman of the occasion, Funsho Kupolokun eulogised the late veteran in the Nigeria power and engineering sector, stating that, to honour and immortalise his name, the foundation is established to propagate his treasured ideas and ideals towards sustainable power supply and development of the nation.

Source: Guardian