The Director of Science, Technology and Innovation at the Federal Capital Territory Administration, Technologist Kolawole Olabashola, has challenged the Nigerian Association of Technologists in Engineering (NATE) to take a more strategic role in shaping national policy, strengthening regulatory oversight, and driving Nigeria’s technological competitiveness.
Speaking at the maiden NATE College of Fellows Dinner Night in Abuja, Technologist Olabashola said the country cannot continue to pursue development without placing engineering technology at the centre of public policy and national planning.
He stressed that NATE’s College of Fellows must evolve beyond a ceremonial status to become “a strong think-tank capable of influencing government decisions on infrastructure, innovation, technical education, and engineering standards.”
Olabashola, who appreciated the association for what he described as their consistent support, recalled how he was drawn into the fellowship by colleagues but noted that the responsibility of fellowship goes far beyond title and prestige.
“Fellowship is not a badge; it is a responsibility. It demands higher commitment, continuous professional development, strong ethical standards, and the capacity to influence policy for the good of the country,” he said.
The Director argued that Nigeria currently faces a skills deficit in core areas of engineering technology, adding that senior professionals must help close the gap through mentorship, structured knowledge transfer, and active participation in national development programmes.
He called on the College of Fellows to institutionalize policy advisory committees, establish research working groups, and strengthen NATE’s visibility within the FCT and beyond.
Olabashola also stated that several technologists under his supervision have been encouraged to join NATE and pursue fellowship, noting that “no nation develops beyond its investment in science, technology, and engineering manpower.”
In his remarks, Chairman of NATE Abuja Branch, Mr. Abraham Okpani, reaffirmed the branch’s commitment to strengthening professional standards, adding that under his leadership, membership had grown from zero to 141 fully updated technologists—making the branch one of the strongest in the country.
He noted that Abuja technologists are now represented in important decision-making bodies such as the FCDA Development Control, the Building Committee, and the NATE Way Forward Committee, which are key platforms for influencing policy.
Mr. Okpani announced that 15 fellows were inducted during his tenure and that the branch had secured a strategic office location, but appealed for members’ support in furnishing the facility.
“Professional growth must go hand-in-hand with institutional strengthening. We must be visible, coordinated and influential if we want our voices to shape national engineering policies,” he added.
Also speaking, the Interim Chairman of the newly inaugurated NATE College of Fellows, Mr. Yunusa Abubakar, said the establishment of the College marks a turning point in NATE’s evolution as a professional body.
He emphasized that the College must take the lead in standard-setting, policy engagement, and the retraining of technologists, adding that senior technologists in the FCT who have contributed significantly over the years must be identified, engaged, and reintegrated into strategic roles.
“Fellowship is the highest recognition, but it comes with the highest expectation. We must build a fellowship body that shapes policy, strengthens national competence, and prepares the next generation for emerging technologies,” Abubakar stated.
He urged members to take ownership of the new College and work collectively to reposition NATE as a key player in engineering technology governance in Nigeria.
Highlight of the event was the induction of new fellows.
