Adebowale Tasks Newly Inducted NATE Members on Innovation, Leadership, and Entrepreneurship …dedicates meritorious award to Gov. Makinde

The Chairman of the Oyo State Agency for Youth Development, Hon. Adebowale Adebayo Falana, has charged newly inducted members of the National Association of Technologists in Engineering (NATE) to think beyond tools and embrace innovation, leadership, and entrepreneurship as they advance in their professional careers.

Speaking on Tuesday at the 4th Induction and Award Ceremony of NATE held at the ICAN Hall, The Polytechnic, Ibadan, Adebowale emphasized that while technical expertise remains vital, the future of engineering and technical professions lies in creativity, adaptability, and solution-driven thinking.

“You must begin to think beyond your tools,” he said. “The modern technician is not just a handler of equipment but a thinker, a problem solver, and a creator of value. Your induction today signifies that you are stepping into a noble profession that powers national development.”

Adebowale, who dedicated his meritorious service award to the Executive Governor of Oyo State, Engr. Seyi Makinde, commended the governor for his youth-friendly policies and numerous developmental projects across the state.

He further urged the inductees to play active roles in shaping the economy, creating jobs, and advancing local technology, noting that Oyo State remains committed to supporting youths through vocational and technical empowerment initiatives.

Reflecting on his alma mater, The Polytechnic, Ibadan, Adebowale praised the institution’s lecturers for their innovation and dedication, describing the students as “fortunate to learn under some of the most creative minds driving technological growth.”

Earlier, the Oyo State Chairperson of NATE, Engr. Juliet Ethakpemi, welcomed guests and appreciated the presence of Hon. Adebowale as Chairman of the occasion. She encouraged the inductees to remain committed to the association and to pursue their COREN certification to become fully recognized professionals.

“Gradually, you are stepping into a noble profession that drives national development,” she added.

In his remarks, the Head of the Department of Civil Engineering, The Polytechnic, Ibadan, Engr. A.G. Okeniyi, lamented Nigeria’s slow embrace of technological advancement, stressing that national growth depends on innovation and technical education.

Citing China as an example, Okeniyi noted that the Asian nation converted over 600 universities to polytechnics in 2014 to bridge the gap between theory and practical skills — a decision that significantly boosted its industrial growth.

“Unfortunately, the reverse seems to be happening in Nigeria,” he said. “Many technical schools have been scrapped, and several polytechnics converted to universities. While politically attractive, such moves threaten the foundation of our technological and vocational progress.”

He, however, commended The Polytechnic, Ibadan, particularly the Faculty of Engineering, for maintaining high standards and producing competent, industry-ready technologists.

In his keynote address, Engr. M.A. Busari Akere reminded the inductees that engineering goes beyond classroom learning, urging them to be disciplined, creative, and proactive in solving real-world problems.

The event featured an exhibition of engineering tools, presentation of NATE certificates, and distinguished personality awards, among other highlights.