Nigerian varsities must invest in nurturing next generation of engineers — CUSTECH VC

The Vice-Chancellor of the Confluence University of Science and Technology (CUSTECH), Osara, Prof. Abdulrahman Salawu, has said that the time has come for universities in the country to invest in nurturing the next generation of engineers and leaders who will carry forward the legacy of the late Engineer Joseph Oyeyani Makoju.

The late Engr. Makoju was the former Managing Director of the defunct National Electric Power Authority (NEPA)/Power Holding Company of Nigeria (PHCN).

Prof. Salawu made this known at the Federal University Lokoja, Felele Campus, during the 3rd Annual Memorial Lecture organized by the institution in honour of the late Engineer Joseph Oyeyani Makoju.

Delivering the memorial lecture titled “Joseph Oyeyani Makoju: Archetype of Adaptive Energy Transition and Cement Manufacturing,” the Vice-Chancellor, a professor of metallurgical engineering, emphasized the importance of investing in human capital development—an area in which the late Makoju had made significant contributions.

He noted that “it is crucial for sustaining national progress,” and advocated for the active nurturing of the next generation of engineers, policymakers, and industry leaders.

“While in active service, the late Engineer Joseph Oyeyani Makoju often emphasized the importance of developing local engineering capabilities—a crucial factor in driving sustainable development.

“His dedication to developing local talent and ensuring their inclusion in national infrastructure projects is an example that Nigerians must follow,” the guest lecturer said.

Earlier in his speech, the Vice-Chancellor of the Federal University Lokoja (FUL), Professor Olayemi Akinwumi, said the memorial lecture was instituted by the university as a modest way of honouring the immense contributions and impactful life of the late Engineer Joseph Makoju.

Professor Akinwumi described him as a colossus in the energy and manufacturing sectors, a nation builder, and above all, a man who gave selflessly for the growth of education and the betterment of humanity.

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“At the 2nd memorial lecture, the Makoju family announced a very generous donation of a lecture theatre to the university in honour of their beloved patriarch. To the glory of God, I am pleased to announce that the lecture theatre has been completed and was commissioned on Sunday, March 30, 2025.

“This year’s edition of the memorial lecture is therefore historic, as it is the first to be held in this magnificent edifice. This is a testimony to what visionary support for education can achieve,” the VC said.

In her remarks, the matriarch of the Makoju family, Mrs. Gladys Joseph Makoju, noted that Nigeria has enormous intellectual capacity capable of transforming the nation. She urged well-meaning Nigerians and corporate organizations to support universities in driving programmes that can move the country to the next level of development.