The Founder and Chancellor of Thomas Adewumi University, Engr. Dr. Johnson Adewumi, hosted members of the Nigerian Society of Engineers (NSE), Omu-Aran Branch, alongside TAU engineers and members of the University Management team, at a special dinner tagged “A Dinner for the Beginning of the Year.”
The gathering was convened to foster professional engagement and provide a platform for engineers within the Omu-Aran branch and TAU community to deliberate on national development and the future of engineering in Nigeria.
In his opening remarks, the Chairman of NSE Omu-Aran Branch, Engr. Dr. Ezugwu Chinedu, introduced members of the branch in attendance. Engr. Lanre Ilesanmi, Director of Physical Planning and Works at TAU, also introduced the University’s engineering team and members of the Management present.
Speaking at the dinner, Engr. Dr. Ezugwu noted that the NSE Omu-Aran Branch was established in 2017 and acknowledged Engr. Dr. Johnson Adewumi as the Patron of the branch and one of the most senior engineers in the region. He expressed appreciation for the Chancellor’s consistent support and philanthropic contributions since the inception of the branch. He further commended him for his role in developmental projects, including the Oko Road project from Omu-Aran.
The Chairman called for deeper collaboration between TAU engineers and other professional engineers within the branch, emphasizing the need for collective effort toward greater achievements. He also proposed that the branch host a professional lecture at Thomas Adewumi University, subject to the University’s approval, and appealed for support in sponsoring more TAU engineering staff to attend professional conferences and pursue COREN certification to enhance the University’s visibility.
In his remarks as Patron, Engr. Dr. Adewumi described the evening as an opportunity for meaningful interaction and open dialogue. He encouraged participants to share insights on the future of engineering in Nigeria and the state of the nation, urging them to reflect on the role engineers must play in shaping national progress.
Several distinguished engineers contributed to the discussion.
Engr. Prof. Bamidele S. Fakinle, Dean, College of Engineering, Landmark University, described engineers as multi-tasking professionals, problem solvers, and nation builders. He emphasized that relevance and impact should guide professional engagement, noting that despite prevailing national challenges, there remains hope and opportunity for positive transformation through purposeful contribution.
Engr. Prof. John Ojediran, the Deputy Vice-Chancellor, Landmark University, stressed the need for a constructive national mindset, urging Nigerians to adopt an attitude of building rather than destroying. He encouraged professionals to contribute meaningfully to national development instead of seeking opportunities solely outside the country.
Prof. Oladipupo Oladejo, Dean, Faculty of Engineering, TAU, highlighted that challenges present opportunities for innovation. He urged engineers to identify problems and develop alternative solutions, encouraging them to adopt the visionary mindset of founders who create impact by solving societal needs.
Engr. John Ramonu, the Immediate Past Chairman of the branch, emphasized that national transformation must begin with individuals. He called on professionals to learn, relearn, and unlearn where necessary, while also encouraging competent individuals with integrity and the fear of God to participate actively in leadership and governance.
Engr. Lanre Ilesanmi, Director of Works, TAU, noted the prevailing trend of seeking opportunities abroad and commended the Founder for consistently supporting development initiatives within Nigeria. He emphasized the need for strong policy formation and systems capable of attracting global recognition to the nation.
The Registrar, Mr. Kolawole Fisoye, stressed the importance of producing evidence-based engineers trained not only theoretically but practically, aligning with global standards of professional practice.
In his closing remarks, Engr. Dr. Adewumi appreciated all attendees for their thoughtful contributions. He observed that many capable professionals hesitate to assume leadership roles and encouraged engineers to take responsibility for shaping the nation’s future. He emphasized that Nigeria remains a land of immense opportunity and impact.
He urged participants to maintain faith in God, believe in the country, and embrace innovation. Reaffirming TAU’s vision, he stated that TAU graduates must be employable and globally competitive, equipped with internationally certified skills. He called on professionals to instill hope in younger generations and help them see the future possibilities within Nigeria.
The Chancellor also expressed his willingness to partner more closely with the NSE Omu-Aran Branch, underscoring the need to change prevailing narratives and attitudes. He affirmed that the proposed professional lecture would be realized within the year and encouraged collaboration between Landmark Engineering professionals and TAU engineers in the best interest of students and the wider community.
In his vote of appreciation, Engr. Dr. Ezugwu thanked the Patron for his wisdom and unwavering support and expressed optimism about deeper engagement, including the formation of an inter-visit committee and increased participation of TAU engineering staff in branch activities.
Members of NSE Omu-Aran Branch in attendance included: Engr. John Ramonu (Immediate Past Chairman), Engr. Prof. John Ojediran, Engr. Prof. Bamidele S. Fakinle,Engr. Prof. O. Oladejo, Engr. Tuyi Samuel, Engr. Aladegboye O.J., Engr. Mufatau A., and Engr. Abolarinwa B.O.
The TAU Management team present included the Registrar, Mr. Kolawole Fisoye; the Bursar, Mrs. Rachael Afolabi; and TAU Engineers led by Engr. Lanre Ilesanmi, alongside Engr. Joshua Aremu, Engr. Shina Aworinde, Engr. John Ezekiel, Engr. Segun Adeyemi, among others.
The dinner concluded on a note of renewed commitment to professional collaboration, nation-building, and the advancement of engineering practice within the community and beyond.
