The Nigerian Institution of Structural Engineers (NIStructE) has elected the Deputy Rector (Academic) Yaba College of Technology (YABATECH), Dr Kehinde Osifala as its 20th President of the Institute.
The investiture which took place recently at YABATECH attracted important dignitaries in the Engineering field from far and wide.
Speaking at the investiture, the Rector of YABATECH, Engr. Obafemi Omokungbe congratulated NIStructE and most especially the newly elected President.
He noted that for Yabatech community, this is a laudable and worthy of celebration, to have one of the institution’s best brain, an erudite scholar, a renowned teacher and a seasoned administrator as head to run the affairs of the prestigious NIStructE.
Omokungbe hinted that Osifala who has served meritoriously in Yabatech for 36 years has also contributed immensely to the academic and administrative development of the College.
He assured NIStructE that Osifala will bring in the desired development to the profession and will also raise the quality of service of the institution, and this is a call to service and great responsibility to the association which the new President has so much passion for.
He said that the role of NIStructE in our nation is critical to our national and economic development as well as our safety, continuing he said, there is need to regulate the profession to ensure that only qualified and competent hands are engaged.
It is important that the necessary partnership with the government and other relevant organizations must be formed by the Institute to checkmate the activities of quacks.
Emphasis must be laid on professional development which the Institute is highly committed.
With the right leadership the challenges facing the institution will be reduced to the barest minimum or eradicated completely.
“YABATECH is an institution well known in the industry for its commitment to professionalism. Our graduates as a result of this are the most sought after in the industry. We have a very strong partnership with almost all the professional bodies to ensure that students have the best of both professional and academic developments. On our part, we will continue to support and work together with NIStructE as well as other professional bodies to fulfill their objectives”.
The Chairman of the investiture and former YABATECH Governing Council Chairman, Prince Lateef Fagbemi SAN noted that Osifala appointment demonstrates the epitomization of his professional acumen as a thoroughbred Engineer and a visionary leader, with whom his colleagues are well pleased.
In his words, for those of us that have followed your earthly sojourn for a while, this elevation did not come as a surprise. A man of several firsts, and vast experience, I am proud to say that your professional qualification as a renowned structural Engineer is not only on paper, but also in practical terms.
The former Rector of YABATECH, Pa. G.M. Okufi also showered encomium on Osifala, he declared that it is a great privilege, an earned honour and also a burden to be called upon to lead one’s professional colleagues. This is a popular way to mark the people who shape a profession by conferring leadership on them.
Okufi said that over the years, he has known Osifala to be a man of courage with a clear vision and a desire to serve. He prayed that these qualities will not depart from him on this another assignment in his life.
During the Investiture, 12 New Members were inducted into NIStructE, and four lectures were delivered titled: Professionalism: Ultimate Goal of Continuous Professional Development by Engr. Otis Anyaeji. Definition and Purpose Continuous Professional Development by Arc. O.P.A. Ladega. Organization/Administration of Continuous Professional Development. Challenges of Implementing Continuous Professional Development.
The immediate past President Engr. Eddy Atumonyogo urged all members to give a greater support to Osifala, as the task ahead is daunting and requires all hands to be on the deck. He congratulated the new President, and prayed that the good Lord lead him as he leads the institution.
In his inaugural address, Osifala disclosed that he was humbled to be elected from the academia as the 20th President this time from YABATECH, the cradle of higher education in Nigeria.
According to him, the justification for the flexibility of choice from the two realms is simply because Engineering is a combination of theory and practice, and the fact that materials from which structural elements are made researched into by the academics. Since I am basically from the academia emphasis would be placed on training and re-training of our members during my tenure.
“I will like to thank all of you that have been my supporter: Yabatech Rector, the past Presidents, Executives and members of NIStructE, Consultants and Contractors that I have been opportune to work with, and Lagos State Government officials that believe in the competence of NIStructE, my friends, well-wishers, and my family members, especially my amiable wife, Mrs. Olugbemisola Osifala. To those who would donate generously to our Advocacy Project, I thank and cherish your support. My appreciation is not any less for corporate bodies that would buy into this project. I will count it as a measure of success if by this advocacy project, building/structural collapse is reduced or eliminated in Nigeria.”
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