The Nigerian Institute of Electrical and Electronic Engineers (NIEEE) held its monthly general meeting recently, on the Zoom platform, in line with adapting to the changes brought on the world of work, and businesses in general, by covid-19.
The meeting which progressed in two parts, saw different panelists from various works of life, discussing, and challenging members of the institute on the theme; “COVID-19 & The Nigerian Economy: The Engineers Perspective”.
According to one of the panelists, Engr. Titi Omo-Ettu, “a lack of proper measurement has not enabled Nigerians, to know the extent to which covid-19 has affected the Nigerian economy, an economy which has never been strong”. To make the most of the situation, he stated that “there has been a mobilization of initiatives in the academic environment, such as the Faculties of Engineering across the country, by the Nigerian Academy of Engineering, with about 35 of these, having a project connected to the pandemic”.
Speaking further on the subject, the engineer’s recommendations stemmed from a concern to create adequate solutions that would still be relevant post covid-19, items such as Respiratory Equipment, Personal Protection Equipment, Early Detection Technology, Environmental Infection Control, and Personal Hygiene Engineering. He concluded his session by emphasizing on the need for engineers to be guided by sustainable solution bases, related to prevention, detection, and protection.
On the wings of the first panelist, Engr. Olu Ogunduyile, still addressing the theme, is quoted as saying that “the biggest fear factor around covid-19 is the lack of complete knowledge of the spread, prevention, treatment, containment or long-term effect, of the virus”. In addition, he stated that “measuring the overall economic impact of covid-19 will be difficult”. Highlighting the general economic impact, he stated that “there would be a decline in consumption, investment, net exports, and an increase in government expenditure”. His practical steps to navigating the state of things, encompassed Government collaboration with stakeholders and Contributions from the engineering institute, which he believes would help to “transform Nigeria into an inclusive economy that is self-sufficient and competent, across a range of strategic sectors”. To conclude the presentation, Engr. Ogunduyile pointed out the need to embrace policies, to render support to small and large scale businesses, and to use fiscal priorities to create a robust educational system, by the government and from the engineering quarters, he expressed that they “need to commit to research and development to bring about inventions in all spectrums”, as most of the solutions for covid-19, presents in some form of engineering.
The other panelists pointed out the places of engineers to bring recourse to the economy, through the solutions they have always been equipped to provide, and also what lies in wait for employees and businesses, during and post covid-19, such as “pay cuts, leave of absence, paid leave, and redundancy”, which Miss Oluchi, a Certified Trainer and Human Resources person, stated “poses negative feelings for those who would be affected” and it is inevitable that certain people would. She advised workers to ensure that they “acquire relevant skills, if they intend to remain under paid labor or otherwise, should look for ways to tap into their entrepreneurial capacities to fend for themselves”.
