At Maiden South East NUESA CTE, University Don, Oguaghamba Deepdives Into Nigeria’s Development Drawbacks, Proffers Solutions
By Clifford Agugoesi, Editor-in-Chief
“Engineering The High Demand Of Advance Technology: A Sustainable Approach For The Growth Of A Transitioning Nation”, was the theme of the Nigerian University Engineering Students’ Association (NUESA) 1st South East Convention and Technical Exhibition(CTE) held at the School Of Physical Science (SOPS), Federal University Of Technology Owerri (FUTO)south east, Nigeria, between 9th and 12th November, 2023.
Cyber Era NG understands that NUESA conference is the largest gathering of all engineering students… across the Nation, where topical issues that impinge on engineering as a discipline and development issues are discussed.
In his intervention, a lecturer in the Department of Civil Engineering, University of Nigeria, Nsukka, south east, Nigeria, and a member of the Structural Engineering group, Engr. Dr. Oguaghamba Onyedikachi Aloysius, presented a paper around the thematic focus of the conference. Dr. Oguaghamba’s delivery coursed through Introduction, Sustainable Development, Key Challenges to Sustainable Development, Microeconomics and Macroeconomics and Conclusion.
In what could easily pass for an indictment of the managers of Nigeria’s political economy, including but not limited to engineers, Oguaghamba raised a rather rhetorical question thusly: Why are we though a long way from the 1970s but have maintained engineering practices and technology from that decade with little to no change?
Typical of most university dons, he would not keep his audience in sustained suspension but went ahead to present the diagnosis as it were relying on the example of the local Agbu to drive home his point while lamenting: “The Locally crafted rope (Agbụ) is used in Igbo land by mostly palm wine tappers to aid them in Climbing palm trees. The rope is tied around the tree and the palm wine tapper, which moves with him simultaneously as he climbs the tree, to give him support and balance, to avoid falling off the tree.
Since 20th century or more, unfortunately, it is the same “Agbu” that is used in climbing palm tree as today, (21st century). So, sad.
But for the whites, they would have transformed that approach and tools. Just check Mercedes of 60s and current Mercedes.” He was quick to place the blames where they rightly belong: “While there may be concerns about policy formulation in Nigeria’s public sector, policy implementation is a more important challenge and may well be regarded as a bane of development in Nigeria,” adding “We need key public sector reforms and the political will to follow through for significant progress to happen.”
Dr. Oguaghamba’s presentation reads in part: “However, the focal point of this occasion centres on the theme ” Engineering the High Demand of Advance Technology: A Sustainable Approach for The Growth of A Transitioning Nation.” Ladies and gentlemen, there is a lot at stake here.
2.0 Sustainable development
The keywords of theme of the conventions are Advance Technology, Sustainable Approach, Growth of A Transitioning Nation
Sustainable development is economic and social growth of a place and locality that does not exhaust the resources of the that place and locality. It respects and safeguards its economic, cultural, and natural environments; creates incomes and chains of enterprises; and builds indigenous institutions that involve and empower the citizenry.
On the other hand, it is the development that permanently enhances a society’s capacity to improve its quality of life and enlarges the range of freedom and opportunity, day to day and generation to generation. When sustainable development is the goal, the focus moves from projects to the web of human relationships affected by those projects.
The fundamental thrust is toward building indigenous capacities; enhances a society’s capacity to improve its quality of life and enlarges the range of freedom and opportunity, and the empowerment of communities and individuals.
This means seeking mutually supportive approaches whenever possible, and making trade-offs where necessary.
3.0 Key challenges to sustainable development
A. Extreme poverty
B. Political instability
C. Environmental deterioration continues to increase.
D. The threat of climate change.
E. Population growth
Moving towards sustainable development will require deep structural changes in all areas of economic, social and political life. This will include, for example, reforming fiscal policies which negatively affect the poor or promote environmental damage. Issues of inequity and inequality of access to assets and resources must be confronted. In the longer term, countries will have to ensure that their net wealth (including natural, manmade and human capital) remains constant or increases. This will mean ensuring that market prices reflect the full social and environmental costs of production and consumption.
Integrating social, economic and environmental objectives, taking account of their implications for different socio-economic groups and for future generations, poses many technical and political difficulties.
Taken together, these elements form the basis of a sustainable development strategy. In other words, a strategy is not a “grand plan” or set of plans, but rather a set of instruments and ways of working which enable sustainable development challenges to be tackled in a coherent and dynamic way.
4.0 Microeconomics and Macroeconomics
Economics is divided into two categories:
a) Microeconomics
b) Macroeconomics
Microeconomics is the study of individuals and business decisions, while macroeconomics looks at the decisions of countries and governments. Microeconomics examines how a company could maximize its production and capacity so that it could lower prices and better compete. A lot of microeconomic information can be gleaned from company financial statements.
Macroeconomics focuses on aggregates and econometric correlations, which is why governments and their agencies rely on macroeconomics to formulate economic and fiscal policy. Investors who buy interest-rate-sensitive securities should keep a close eye on monetary and fiscal policy.
Having said that, our focus would be on the microeconomics that concerns us.
4.1 Key principles of sustainable development strategies in the context of microeconomics
The key principles of microeconomics represent a set of desirable features of sustainable development strategies.
4.1.1 Cloud Based System
This concerns computing or digital data stored, managed, and processed on a network of remote servers hosted on the internet, rather than on local servers or personal computers.
4.1.2 Product Data Management Systems
This is the use of software to manage product data and process-related information in a single, central system. This information includes computer-aided design (CAD) data, models, parts information, manufacturing instructions, requirements, notes and documents.
4.1.3 Deep Learning and AI
While humans may be able to reason much better than computers, we cannot learn and replicate systems with such ease as AI and deep learning systems.
No matter what type of engineering you are an expert in, whether it is civil engineering, mechanical engineering, electrical engineering, etc., learning how AI is shifting the game up could keep you on the bleeding edge of business development coming into the new year.
4.1.4 Digital Marketing
Long gone are the billboard marketing days and solely using printed marketing means. Your best bet is looking for an digital marketing and sales expert to help get you moving in the right direction and get your company in front of the eyes of more qualified leads of your industry. Digital marketing can help in defining ways on how to attract more potential customers and generate leads (inbound marketing) and how to start earning more qualified traffic to endeavour. The marketing game has shifted, and if you want to grow your business, your thoughts on how to market your brand and business are going to have to shift as well.
4.1.5 The Uprising of Digital Transformation and Industry 4.0
Along any engineer’s journey of seeking perfection, the one thing you must give attention to is operating as lean as possible. And even though your daily operating systems are of extreme importance, engineers that are not up-to-date on the latest manufacturing technology, will soon be left behind.
While there are many advanced technologies in the manufacturing world, the most intuitive engineers would be wise to pay attention to multipurpose technologies such as machine-learning algorithms that happen to be capable of automating processes like feedback, quoting as well as design for manufacturability. As technology continues to get “smarter”, engineers continue to find ways of in automating their equipment (or machine retrofitting) and dive into the age of digital transformation.
Industry 4.0 means the industry of tomorrow. It is a computer-driven manufacturing system that makes use of the internet for increased efficiency and consistency in production processes by using sensors to collect data on machine performance while simultaneously integrating all stakeholders into one centralized network where they can see real time updates from various machines within their plants or regions across company lines – this way there are never any surprises!
It’s no surprise that Industry 4.0 is all about doing things differently, and the manufacturing industry has taken notice with new innovations in automation to meet changing market demand–including cyber-physical systems like Industrial Internet of Things (IoT), as well as cloud computing.
These technologies can help drive growth goals for manufacturers who are willing to adopt an innovation mindset by embracing change rather than maintaining their status quo position against today’s demanding customer base.
4.1.6 Robotics
Of course, whenever you hear the words “modern”, “technology” or “industry 4.0” we often think about robots. And while it may just seem like a cool concept, many companies are making huge strides in the oilfield and engineering world by designing and utilizing robots (fancy word for automated machine) to complete jobs within dangerous environments or extreme conditions. Not only is utilizing robots for these types of jobs much safer than sending humans in, but they are way more efficient.
Robotic automation may help manufacturers decrease costs and improve the effectiveness of their operations.
Alternatively, they can use Human Machine Interfaces (HMIs). Human-machine interface, means by which humans and computers communicate with each other. The human-machine interface includes the hardware and software that is used to translate user (i.e., human) input into commands and to present results to the user.
4.1.7 Automation and Supervisory control and data acquisition (SCADA)
This techniques of automating repeating, simple tasks or certain jobs. SCADA is a control system architecture comprising computers, networked data communications and graphical user interfaces for high-level supervision of machines and processes. It also covers sensors and other devices, such as programmable logic controllers, which interface with process plant or machinery and also obtain data from them.
4.1.8 Communication Systems
In one way or another, communication, if left ignored, will somehow find a way to stalemate most business growth or efficiency. Owners and employees must remain diligent in building and fostering the right relationships within and outside of the company.
Investing in your internal and external communication systems and processes will not only prevent your business from going belly up, but it will drastically increase your chances of a smooth scaling process.
4.1.9 Leadership Systems
As a business owner, or an indispensable executive, you are responsible for making it necessary for all of your team members to seek to improve the culture at your workplace.
This culture should be heavily weighted in not only a strong work ethic, but of increasing competency.
4.1.10 IT Infrastructure
There are plenty of infrastructure solutions (software and programs) on the market that will not only help relieve the headache of IT, but will ensure that you are operating smoothly with the technology assistance that is being provided. Examples of IT infrastructure solutions are:
a) Global Mapper is a cutting-edge geographic information system software GIS software that provides both novice and experienced geospatial professionals with a comprehensive array of spatial data processing tools, with access to an unparalleled variety of data formats. Global Mapper is developed by Blue Marble Geographics that runs on Microsoft Windows. Civil Engineering, Agricultural and Bioresources Engineering, Hydrological Engineering, Petroleum Industry, Mechanical and Automobile Engineering etc.
b) ArcGIS is a family of client, server and online geographic information system software developed and maintained by Esri. Used in Civil Engineering, Agricultural and Bioresources Engineering, Hydrological Engineering, Petroleum Industry, etc.
c) Autodesk Civil 3D software is a civil engineering design and documentation solution that supports Building Information Modeling (BIM) workflows on a variety of civil infrastructure project types, including roads and highways, land development, rail, airports, and water.
d) Machine learning is a branch of artificial intelligence (AI) and computer science which focuses on the use of data and algorithms to imitate the way that humans learn, gradually improving its accuracy.
Robert Nealey, the self-proclaimed checkers master, played the game on an IBM 7094 computer in 1962, and he lost to the computer. Compared to what can be done today, this feat seems trivial, but it’s considered a major milestone in the field of artificial intelligence.
Over the last couple of decades, the technological advances in storage and processing power have enabled some innovative products based on machine learning, such as Netflix’s recommendation engine, streaming service that allows one watches TV shows and movies on an internet-connected device, and self-driving cars.
Machine learning is an important component of the growing field of data science.
Through the use of statistical methods, algorithms are trained to make classifications or predictions, and to uncover key insights in data mining projects. These insights subsequently drive decision making within applications and businesses, ideally impacting key growth metrics.
Machine learning tools are algorithmic applications of AI that allow systems to learn and improve without human support.
Thus, if you want to increase your chances of getting hired, you need to be proficient in handling these machine learning tools. The 9 most popular machine learning tools that are a great choice for beginners, enthusiasts and experienced professionals are:
Top 9 Most Popular Machine Learning Tools
(i) Konstanz Information Miner KNIME: is free and open-source data analytics, reporting and integration platform.
(ii) Waikato Environment for Knowledge Analysis WEKA: is free and open-source data analytics, which helps in data classification, preparation, regression, clustering, visualization, and data mining.
(iii)BigML is loaded with a wide range of machine learning features such as regression, classification, cluster analysis, topic modeling, anomaly detection, etc.
(iv)Google Colaboratory Google Colab: It is a free resource which has cloud storage. This means that when you create a Colab notebook, it will be automatically saved in your Google Drive account. This feature of Colab makes it easy to share work with peers.
(v) Amazon Machine Learning: It is a robust, cloud-based tool that simplifies the process for developers of all skill levels to use machine learning.
(vi) Apache Mahout is an open source machine learning tool built using Java Scala. It is cross-platform friendly and provides algorithms for regression, clustering, recommenders and distributed linear algebra.
(vii) IBM Watson Studio helps users to build, run and manage their machine learning models.
(viii) Shogun is a machine learning tool that provides various algorithms and data structures to execute your project.
(ix) Spell is a machine learning tool that specializes in building and managing machine learning projects in dynamic environments.
e) Forex tools are software that help traders trade efficiently. They can be paid for by subscribing to a service or offered for free by a forex broker or trading platform provider. Some of the best forex trading tools can be found within popular online trading platforms, such as MetaTrader, which offer a comprehensive package of technical indicators and trade automation abilities. Forex tools include calculators, strategies, videos, report analyzer, and a table of interest rates.
Precious Madueke, renowned as Preshbae, is Nigeria’s brightest female forex trader, an unparalleled force and a guiding star for aspiring entrepreneurs. She holds a degree in Systems Engineering from the esteemed University of Lagos.
Preshbae is estimated net worth surpasses US$1 million. With over 6 years of invaluable trading experience, she stands as a living testament to the boundless potential that determination and expertise can unlock in the financial market.
5.0 Conclusion and Summary
Poverty is a thief that has been left unchecked for too long in Nigeria. Yet, the number of our multidimensionally poor population keeps exploding. According to the National Bureau of Statistics, 40.1 per cent (82.9 million) of Nigerians were classified as ‘poor’ in its 2019 report. Today, that figure is 63 per cent, representing 133 million people.
Poverty is a thief of human dignity, present options, and future prospects. It is a breeding ground for depravity, violence, and a worship of mediocrity. We must intentionally pursue its eradication. The best security is shared prosperity. We must pursue prosperity for all.
As we are here for the conference, I urge us to awaken to this reality, embrace compassion and reason for our collective progress. Education in Nigeria: We must move from talk to action.
Sometime in 2016, Frank Nweke Jr presented a proposal to an audience of policymakers and technocrats on the challenges our education system faced and the solution we ought to implement. It was met with a standing ovation. After which, he revealed to them that the former Minister of Education, Dr. Obiageli “Oby” Ezekwesili, had presented the same document, verbatim, about a decade earlier. She received applause on the day as well.
Right here, right now is where we draw the line. The world is waking up and change is coming whether you like it or not.
In 1864 Abraham Lincoln wrote a letter to Edwin Stanton, his Secretary of War. He observed that, ‘You cannot escape the responsibility of tomorrow by evading it today.’ And yet, Lincoln’s words remain as relevant as ever. They show that ‘responsibility’ has always been a watchword. Because our very future depends on whether we choose – or refuse – to take responsibility. Today, there is no time to be lost…”
