29 February 2016, Lagos – In the face of the dwindling oil prices and revenue, the Nigerian Society of Chemical Engineers (NSChE), has called on the federal government to look beyond oil and develop other sectors like agriculture and manufacturing for revenue generation.
The group expressed the view at the first public lecture of the NSChE and the International Chemical Engineers (IChemE), United Kingdom, held at the Department of Chemical Engineering, University of Lagos.
The occasion was graced by the UNILAG Vice Chancellor, Professor Rahman Bello; the Head of Department UNILAG, Professor A. O Denloye; Deputy National President, NSChE, Professor Sam Adefila and Chairman, International Affairs Committee, NSChE Dr. John Erinne.
In an interview with journalists, Erinne said the lecture was geared towards professional development and fostering cooperation between Institution of Chemical Engineering UK and NSChE, adding that it provided a platform for exchange of ideas and views in areas concerning chemical engineering and the realities of the world’s energy situation as it affects chemical engineers and Nigeria.
“We are talking about the challenges Nigeria is facing as regards the dwindling oil prices and oil returns and what chemical engineers can provide value to help Nigeria get out of this,” Erinne added.
Furthermore, he said there was no quick fix to the situation, saying that dwindling oil price could be a blessing to the country.
“Chemical engineering is not all about oil and gas. It’s a broad profession in any area that involves transformation and processing of materials from one form to the other. We are all for the diversification of of the economy and chemical engineers are at the forefront. We have a lot of skills to contribute towards improving agriculture and agricultural produce and solid minerals.
“We are very strongly committed to a Nigeria beyond oil and we are strongly urging the government to do all that is necessary in promoting other sectors of the economy and not sole reliance on oil and gas.”
Also, the guest lecturer, Neil Atkinson, the Director, Qualifications and International Development, IChemE, said the importance of chemical engineers cannot be undermined especially when it comes creating technical solutions for the society.
- This Day