Engineers seek collaboration on tackling air pollution

The Nigerian Society of Engineers (NSE) Manchester (UK) Branch is building on the success of 2021 and inviting partners to collaborate with them in 2022. The Branch is keen to address and to better understand the challenges of air pollution and its associated health hazards.

by

By Engr. Patrick Obidoyin

In June 2020, The University of Manchester GCRF QR grant funded a proof of concept to deploy low-cost sensors in Lagos, Nigeria. NSE Manchester (UK) is keen to bring other partners on-board to expand the air pollution project across Nigeria.

NSE Manchester (UK) Branch has contributed to NSE, the parent body in the following projects E-library, NSE Infrastructure Report Card and NSE App.

The inauguration of NSE Manchester Branch took place on 20th August 2021. NSE Manchester Branch made history by being the first Branch of NSE to be accepted based on online activities and also being inaugurated online as a result of COVID-19.

The journey started on 18th December 2019 when Engr. Adekunle Mokuolu FNSE sent a letter to Engr. Dr. Obuks Ejohwomu to kick-start the process of engaging Engineers of Nigerian origin in the North of England.

The first meeting of four engineers took place in Engr. Dr. Obuks Ejohwomu’s office at The University of Manchester. The meeting was attended by Engr. Dr. Obuks Ejohwomu (Chairman), Engr. Dr. Irene Okhade (General Secretary), Engr. Patrick Obidoyin (Publicity Secretary) and Engr. Kamil Okedara (Membership Secretary).

The Branch has since organised numerous Technical session beneficial to Engineers of all disciplines.

The leadership of the Branch has since widened to include: Engr. Prof. Bamidele Adebisi (Vice-Chairman), Engr. Dr Adeyanju Teslim-Balogun (Assistant General Secretary), Engr. Dr. Akilu Yunusa-Kaltungo (Technical Secretary), Engr. Oladipo Tobais (Financial Secretary), Engr. Dr. Habila John Mormi (Treasurer), Engr. Ernest Oshogbunu (Industry Relations), Engr. Kenneth Oronsaye (Special Projects), Engr. Olutola Fakehinde (CoC & Ex-Officio), Engr. Dr. Mohammed Ngala (Ex-Officio) and Adeola Adebisi (IT lead).

Inauguration 

The Inauguration of the professional body was graced by many notable dignitaries led by distinguished President Engr. Babagana Mohammed, FNSE.

Other dignitaries were H.E. Ambassador Sarafadeen Tunji Isola - High Commissioner of the Federal Republic of Nigeria to the United Kingdom ably represented by Dr Cyprian Heen - Ambassador, Minister/Head of Investment, Trade and Industry at the Nigerian High Commission London.

The Guest Speaker was Engr. Prof. Michael O. Faborode, FNSE, FAEng - Former Vice-Chancellor, Obafemi Awolowo University, Ile-Ife, Osun State Nigeria and the Immediate Past Secretary-General, Committee of Vice-Chancellors of Nigerian Universities. He spoke on “Harnessing Diaspora Engineering Potential For The Africa We Want And Deserve.”

Engr. Dr. Ejohwomu in his speech highlighted special projects from NSE Manchester Branch.

Also in attendance were:

  • Engr. Suleiman Hussein Adamu, FNSE, FAEng Honourable Minister of Water Resources, Federal Republic of Nigeria.
  • Engr. Ademola Isaac Olorunfemi, FNSE, FNIM Branch Patron & President, Nigerian Society of Engineers.
  • Engr. Ali A. Rabiu FNSE, FASCE President, Council for the Regulation of Engineering in Nigeria (COREN).
  • Dr Nike Folayan MBE Chair, Association for Black and Minority Ethnic Engineers UK.
  • Engr Mrs Funmilola Ojelade FNSE, President, The Association of Professional Women Engineers of Nigeria (APWEN).
  • Engr. Dr. Obuks Ejohwomu, Chairman, The Nigerian Society of Engineers, Manchester Branch.
  • Professor Stephen Flint, Associate Vice-President International Professor of Stratigraphy
  • Engr. Mrs. Margaret Oguntala FNSE.
  • Engr. Ibitoye Adeniran FNSE
  • Engr. Kola Balogun - Chairman, Momas Electricity Meters Manufacturing Company Limited (MEMMCOL).
  • Chi Onwurah MP - Member of Parliament representing Newcastle Central and Shadow Minister Digital, Science & Technology.
  • Prof Alice Larkin - Professor of Climate Sci & Energy Policy, Head of School of Engineering & Vice Dean.
  • Prof. David Edwards [Special Guest] – Professor of Plant and Machinery Management – Birmingham City University.
  • Mr. Ayo Akinfe – Chairman, Central Association of Nigerians in UK (CANUK).
  • Prof. Erinma Bell MBE - Queen’s Deputy Lieutenant for Greater Manchester.
  • Engr Prof Jeremiah Oludele Ojediran, MNSE – VC, Bells University of Technology Òtá, Nigeria.
  • Engr. Dr. Adediran – Chair, NSE Glasgow.
  • Engr. Dapo Sulu MNSE - President Engineering Forum of Nigerians UK (EFN-UK).
  • Ms. Augusta Ugoh – Chair, Nigeria Community Manchester.
  • Engr. Ismail Balogun – CEO, Balbus UK.
  • Prof. Ojo Sunday Fayomi, Dean of College of Engineering, Bells University of Technology Òtá Nigeria.

Induction

Induction of new members took place with an oath read by newly inducted members recited by Engr. Adeyemi Adeleye on behalf of other newly inducted members.

Awards

All previous Technical Guest lecturers of NSE Manchester were also honoured during the occasion.

2020 Technical Session Speakers

  • Dr Abiodun Abioye
  • Prof Bamidele Adebisi - Manchester Metropolitan University
  • Dr. Mohammad J Ngala - Principal Partner, Heaton Education, UK
  • Professor David J Edwards - Birmingham City University.
  • Engr. Dr. David Oloke - University of Wolverhampton
  • Professor Ola Uduku - Manchester School of Architecture
  • Engr. Kola Balogun MNSE - Chairman & CEO, MEMMCOL
  • Mr. Gunter Schindler - Managing Director & Chief Operating Officer, ASM Assembly Systems LLC Germany.
  • Dr. Nabila Ahmed Rufa’I, SMIEEE

2021 Guest Technical Session Speakers

  • Dr. Abdullahi Abubakar Mas’ud CEng, MIET, MNSE, MNIEEE. Jubail Industrial College & Prince Saud Bin Thunayin Research Centre, Jubail, Kingdom of Saudi Arabia.
  • Engr. Dr Akilu Yunusa-Kaltungo (PhD, FIMechE, FHEA, CEng, MNSE, MNIM, NEBOSHPGCert) The University of Manchester.
  • Engr. Olanrewaju Aluko MNSE, PMP, CMRP Founder and CEO of LACHI Nigeria Limited.
  • Engr. Mrs. Margaret Oguntala FNSE FNSChE MD/CEO BAMSAT Nigeria Limited.
  • Engr. Professor Muhammad Dauda, The University of Manchester Provost Air Force Institute of Technology, Kaduna
  • Dr. Mostafa Nabawy, The University of Manchester

Awards

Category 1 Group Award – The University of Manchester Ingenuity 2021 Champions

  • Yixi Chen
  • Jiawei Guo
  • Yuman Sun
  • Shubiao Xin

Category 2 Individual Awards – Excellence Award for contribution to engineering community of practice.

  • Pan LIJUN [Excellence Award for contribution to engineering’s community of practice]
  • Katy Victoria ANDREW [Excellence for contribution to engineering’s community of practice]
  • Ferdinand Ukaigwe [Excellence for contribution to engineering’s community of practice]
  • Prof. David Edwards [Excellence for contribution to professional development in Africa]
  • Olusegun Isaiah Popoola [Excellence for contribution to engineering’s community of practice]

Category 3: Excellence Award to Branch Members was presented to:

Engr. Patrick Obidoyin MNSE

Engr. Dr. Irene Okhade MNSE

The Vote of Thanks was given by Engr. Dr. Mrs. Teslim-Balogun Assistant General Secretary NSE Manchester Branch. The Master of Ceremonies was Mr. Charles Ajayi-Khiran supported by co-hosts - Engr. Patrick Obidoyin and Engr. Dr. Akilu Yunusa-Kaltungo.

The Corporate Sponsors of NSE Manchester inauguration include: MEMMCOL (Momas Electricity Meters Manufacturing Company Limited, World Remit and Balbus UK.

  • Engr. Patrick Obidoyin is the Publicity Secretary of The Nigerian Society of Engineers, Manchester (UK) Branch