Engineers risk irrelevance without lifelong learning — Engr. Agberegba

By Abubakar Yunusa

The General Manager Generation, Niger Delta Power Holding Company, Engr. Valerie Ifueko Agberegba, has warned that Nigerian engineers risk becoming irrelevant unless they embrace lifelong learning and adaptability in an increasingly digital world.
Agberegba gave the warning on Thursday while delivering a lecture titled “Engineering Excellence: Strategies for Staying Ahead in a Changing Industry” at the October 2025 general meeting of the Nigerian Society of Engineers (NSE), Abuja branch.
She stressed that staying competitive in the profession required continuous self-improvement and investment in new skills, urging engineers to “assess skill gaps, identify high-demand areas, and develop a learning roadmap for 2025.”
“Attend industry events, connect with professionals, and request constructive criticism from peers and mentors,” she said. “The best time to develop professional excellence was yesterday; the second-best time is now.”
Agberegba said that automation, artificial intelligence and globalisation were reshaping the engineering landscape, warning that those who failed to adapt would be left behind.
According to her, combining cutting-edge technical skills with soft skills, sustainability, AI fluency and business acumen would enable Nigerian engineers to stay relevant and drive national development.
She also encouraged professionals to build strong networks through the NSE, COREN, and online platforms like LinkedIn, while seeking mentorship and engaging in industry conferences.
Agberegba listed adaptability, collaboration, communication and critical thinking as core pillars of professional excellence, urging engineers to pursue certifications such as PMP, LEED, and cloud computing.
She added that proactive skill development not only boosts job security and earnings but also strengthens Nigeria’s global competitiveness, saying, “Those who adapt will thrive; those who don’t will become irrelevant.”