By Matthew Denis
The Nigerian Society of Engineers (NSE) on Wednesday launched a smart Innovation Hub with the target of bringing forth the principles and applications of SMART OFFICE in Nigeria.
Speaking during the event, President of The Nigerian Society of Engineers, Engr. Tasiu Sa’ad Gidari-Wudil stated that the NSE Smart Innovation Hub was conceived in 2016 and today has become a reality.
He said, “The aims is how we are going to empower the Nigerian Engineers to be able to deliver on the expectation of the country. The innovation hub is where Engineers will come with ideas, research and develop it to become commericalise to the public and stakeholders.
“The hub will provide an official business space reserved to foster productivity and networking to its consumers and stakeholders.
He said, “The hub will integrate technologies, services, tools and data analytics that empowers users to work from home, only dropping into the office location when a face-to-face interaction is necessary.”
According to him, the smart office dashboard will have a unified web interface that can allow users to sign up for available physical and virtual office spaces, executive conferences and workshops.
The President stressed that the key objectives of the hub is to provide smart business solutions to members and it will assist a technology innovation hub that will facilitate research development and mentorship to stakeholders.
He stressed that the hub will be fully coordinated and planned to boost business activities of their members and partners.
The Managing Director and Chief Executive Officer of Wema Bank, Moruf Oseni expressed the banks readiness to play unyeilding support and collaboration to achieve the ambitious objectives of the Nigerian Society of Engineers (NSE) in effective functioning of the innovation hub.
The Wema MD who is the Keynote Speaker at the occasion said “in today’s rapidly evolving world, embracing the digital future is not just an option but a necessity.”
Speaking on the theme ‘Embracing the Digital Future: Unveiling the Smart Office’ Mr. Oseni said, “It embodies the fusion of engineering, brilliance and digital innovation on a journey that holds the potential to reshape our businesses, Industries and our beloved Nation, Nigeria.
“As we witness unprecedented technological advancements we find ourselves already immersed in the realities of a new era that is characterised by connectivity, automation and intelligent systems.
“This is why this initiative is as crucial as it is timely. The NSE Innovative Hub will be a haven for minds that dare to dream and innovate. It will bring a breeding ground for collaboration where thinkers, makers and visionaries come together to shape the next wave of progress.”
He stressed that the AI/IoT lab will be a sanctuary for exploring the limitless potential of artificial intelligence and the Internet of things.
“Therefore, on behalf of Wema Bank, I pledge our unyeilding support and collaboration to achieve the ambitious objectives of NSE.
“I hold unwavering confidence that the NSE Smart Innovation Hub project will play a pivotal role in helping Nigeria embrace the digital future.”
Also speaking, the Coordinator of Innovation Hub Kaduna state University, Hajia Bilkisu Yusuf said, “It is a laudable effort on the part of Nigerian Society of Engineers because innovation is the driving force at this digital age and coming when we need it to replicate in our institute.”
She stressed that her institution will work in collaboration with NSE to inculcate some of their activities at their innovation hub in school.
Mrs. Yusuf tasked on the youths especially students to look towards creative innovations thereby stop waiting for the University certificate system only as the World is already digitalised.