THE ROLE OF ENGINEERS IN NATIONAL

DEVELOPMENT

PAPER PRESENTED BY THE MANAGING

DIRECTOR, LOWER BENUE RIVER BASIN
DEVELOPMENT AUTHORITY, ENGR. DR. CHIEF
(MRS.) ROSELINE ADA CHENGE FNSE ON THE
OCCASION OF THE MONTHLY MEETING OF
THE NIGERIA SOCIETY OF ENGINEERS (NSE)
MAKURDI ON THE 30TH OF JANUARY, 2014.
 1.0 INTRODUCTION
Engineering is a term used for the profession in which a
knowledge of the mathematical and natural sciences, gained
by study, experience, and practice, is applied to the efficient
use of the materials and forces of nature. The term Engineer
properly denotes a person who has received professional
training in pure and applied science. Between the professional
engineer and the craftsman or tradesman, are those
individuals known as sub-professionals or paraprofessionals,
who apply scientific and engineering skills to technical
problems. Typical of these, are engineering aides, technicians,
inspectors, draftsmen, and the like.
 FIELDS OF ENGINEERING
Civil Engineering.
Mechanical Engineering.
Electrical Engineering.
Agricultural Engineering.
Mining Engineering
Aeronautical Engineering
Nuclear Engineering
Industrial and Management Engineering, etc.
 NATIONAL DEVELOPMENT
National Development refers to the ability of a
country to improve the social welfare of the
people by providing social amenities like good
education, infrastructure, medical care and
social services.
 1.3 THE ROLE OF ENGINEER IN NATIONAL
DEVELOPMENT
The role of Engineer in national development
refers to the application of the knowledge of
the mathematical and natural sciences, gained
by study, experience, and practice in the
provision of social amenities like good
education, infrastructure, medical care and
social services.
 2.0 SPECIFIC ASPECTS OF NATIONAL
DEVELOPMENT IN WHICH ENGINEERS PLAY A
VITAL ROLE
Specific Aspects of National Development
in which Engineers Play a Vital Role are:
 2.1 Educational Growth
Engineers play the role of guidance and counselling of
students at tender age at secondary school level in taking
decision on the choice of courses of career by sensitizing
them towards the technical and engineering discipline.
Engineers in tertiary institution ie Polytechnic and
Universities prepare the undergraduate by taking them
through the practical knowledge of their different fields of
engineering thereby impacting upon them from their
wealth of knowledge and experience.
Engineers inculcate in the undergraduates the need for
entrepreneurial skills for sustainable development rather
than seeking and indulging in the get rich quick practices.
 2.2 Community Development.
The Engineer deals with the creation,
improvement, and protection of the communal
environment, providing facilities for living,
industry and transportation, including large
buildings, roads, bridges, canals, railroad lines,
airports, water-supply systems, dams, irrigation,
harbors, docks, aqueducts, tunnels, and other
engineered constructions within a given
community.
 2.3. Community Engineering
Like community Policing, community engineering
plays a very important role in the monitoring of
infrastructural development projects within the
neighbourhood with a view to ensuring
adherence to standards and ethics of engineering
practice. Engineers within a community come
together as volunteers to sponsor infrastructural
development projects like boreholes, water
distribution network, construction of drainages,
culverts etc.
 2.4 Incorporation of Engineering Companies
The coming together of Engineers to incorporate
Engineering firms has come a long way in
fostering National development by ensuring
continuity in Engineering infrastructural
development project, unlike in situations where
Engineering firms are family biased where
probably the principal partner is the only
Engineer and his demise means the folding up of
the company.
 2.5 Engineers and Politics.
Decision making for National Development is made at
the highest level of Government. Involvement of
Engineers in politics affords them the opportunity to be
at these policy/decision making bodies. Engineers at
these levels, use their professional knowledge to
attract and defend important engineering
infrastructural development projects. Similarly,
Engineers in politics contribute to the enhancement of
the welfare of other Engineers thereby motivating
them to higher productivity for national development.
 2.6 Engineers in Public Service.
Most of the Engineering Development Projects
are being conceptualized, designed, supervised,
evaluated and certified by the Engineers in the
Public Service. These Engineers also ensure that
these projects are executed according to
specifications. They also make necessary input
towards the procurement of Engineering
Projects.