The National Association of Technologists in Engineering (NATE) has unveiled its latest innovation, reaffirming its dedication to driving technological growth and sustainable development of Nigeria.
The Director-General, Federal Institute of Industrial Research (FIIRO) Dr Jummai Tutuwa commended NATE on its achievement.
The D-G, made the commendation at NATE 2025 Award Ceremony, unveiling of newly fabricated machine and annual induction of new members.
NAN also reports that the theme of the event was: ‘Technological Skill Development; A Catalyst for Sustainable National Growth’
Tutuwa, who was represented by Director, Project Development and Design Management, Dr Livinus Onu, said the association had consistently demonstrated its commitment to technological advancement of the country.
According to her, NATE has always added value to its products and contributed in creating jobs.
“NATE has been a valued partner in our efforts to promote technological development in Nigeria.
‘’Its dedication to innovation and excellence is inspiring and we look forward to continuing our collaboration’’, he said.
Tutuwa also highlighted FIRO’s contributions to the nation’s technological growth, citing its recent research breakthroughs in brake pads and brake discs, as well as its automated dryer for fruits and vegetables.
The D-G emphasised the importance of skill development in the country, particularly in areas such as craftsmanship and vocational training.
“We must prioritize the development of our young people’s skills, as they are the future of our nation,” the representative stressed.
“By investing in their education and training, we can ensure that Nigeria remains competitive in the global economy,” he said.
At the unveiling of the NATE dehydrator, the D-G invited the association to exhibit its products at the annual national exhibition being organised by FIIRO.
The Chairman, NATE, Lagos branch, Mr Samuel Ibidapo highlighted the association’s efforts to promote local technological development.
Ibidapo cited the dehydrator designed to preserve food nutrients and extend shelf life.
The Chairman said that in spite of the association’s efforts, local technological innovations face significant challenges, including government preference for imported technologies.
According to him, local technologies contributes significantly into the economy in terms of job creation, employment opportunity and national development .
“We tried to partner with the government, but they are more interested in importing technologies rather than supporting local innovations.
He however highlighted other challenges to include inadequate research funding, high electricity costs, and the need for a harmonised policy framework to support local technological development.
Ibidapo appealed to the government to address these challenges, particularly the need to create an enabling environment for local technological innovations to thrive.
He highlighted the achievements during his tenure inducting additional 600 members to the association, fabrication of three-phase industrial rice de-stoning machine, among others.
The chairman of the occasion, Mr Emmanuel Ogunleye, encouraged NATE to commercialise all its productions especially the dehydrator.
Ogumleye also encouraged the inductees and Nigeroa youths to shun the japa syndrome saying opportunities abound in the country.
He said there was no limit to what anybody can become in the country as long as there was the desire to do so.
The keynote speaker, Adesola Openibo, called for collective efforts in promoting technological development in Nigeria.
Openibo said that technological advancement was crucial for national growth and development.
She said that technological skills empower the workforce to create value in high growth sectors such as information technology, manufacturing and healthcare.
According to her, skilled professionals are better equipped to drive innovation, improve efficiency and create jobs.
Openibo, however, recommended reforming the education system, promoting lifelong learning and leveraging digital platforms, public-private partnerships and adequate policy and funding as a crucial factor.
A technologist, Mr Nelson Aniete, the fabricator of the dehydrator said it would revolutionise food preservation in Nigeria.
Aniete said that the machine was capable of dehydrating a wide range of foods, including fruits, vegetables, grains and legumes.
‘’The machine has already been tested on various foods, including rice, beans, plantains, potatoes and sweet potatoes, with impressive results,’’ he said.
The fabricator also called for support for the commercialisation of the dehydrator.