The Nigerian Institution of Mechanical Engineers (NIMechE), in partnership with an Italian firm, is set to commence training of over 100 mechanical engineers to work on the conversion of petrol engines to Compressed Natural Gas (CNG) engines for automobiles.

Speaking at the induction of new graduate members and inauguration of the fourth chairman of the NIMechE, Ilorin chapter, noted this on Monday.

Dr. Suleiman Yahaya, the national chairman of the NIMechE; Dr. Mrs. Funmilade Akingbagbohun, said that Nigerians needed to have an alternative to hardship brought about by the removal of fuel subsidy.

“With the proposal of the federal government to embark on conversion of petrol engine to CNG engine following the removal of fuel subsidy, we are set to commence training of our engineers on the project with the partnership of Italian company. We have a selection process for it, where multiple text exams would be used and whoever comes top would go for the training in Nigeria here.

“We’re also partnering with Toyota company in the training of our engineers in the automobile industry. We’re also partnering with the Automotive Design and Development Council in terms of electric vehicles in Nigeria”, she said.

The NIMechE National Chairman, who said that the training project would start with about 100 beneficiaries, added that the second stage would be a sort of train the trainers, “where we would be able to help people establish places and workshops where they would have this conversion being done.

“The first stage of the training would be done locally with our partnership company bringing in the trainers and kits for the conversion for our own engineers”.

In his address as the guest speaker at the event, the immediate past Works commissioner in Kwara state, Engineer Rotimi Iliasu, on “Infrastructure Development and Mechanical Engineering Innovation: Forging a Resilient and Sustainable Future for Nigeria”, said that as Nigeria advances, contributions of mechanical engineers will be indispensable to build a resilient and sustainable future for Nigeria.

“Their capacity for innovation and problem-solving holds the key to economic growth and an improved quality of life for Nigerians. To the newly inducted graduate mechanical engineers, I encourage you to build your careers in Nigeria. With dedication and hard work, you can become leaders in your field, and in doing so, you will contribute not only to your own personal advancement but to the overall development of Nigeria.

“If we all choose to leave (“japa”), who will develop our country? Through the adoption of new technologies, commitment to research, and collaboration with other disciplines, mechanical engineers can drive innovation, create employment opportunities, and improve the standard of living for all Nigerians. Together, we can shape a brighter future for Nigeria through the field of mechanical engineering”, he said.

The event also witnessed induction of graduate members, comprising about 35 graduates of Mechanical Engineering of the University of Ilorin into the institution and presentation of awards to distinguished members of the group. (Nigerian Tribune)

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