NSE warns newly inducted engineers against ethical compromise

By Abubakar Yunusa

The Nigerian Society of Engineers (NSE) has warned newly inducted engineers against compromising professional ethics, insisting that integrity remains the foundation of engineering practice.
NSE President, Alimasuya Rabiu, gave the warning during the 2026 induction ceremony for new corporate members held at the weekend.
Rabiu, who was represented by the Deputy President of the NSE, Valerie Ifueko Agberagba, said engineers must remain accountable to society and uphold the trust reposed in them.
According to him, the induction ceremony symbolises a public declaration that the newly certified engineers are competent and fit to practise the profession in Nigeria.
“The induction ceremony is a public declaration of trust. These are engineers who have passed through training, supervision and professional examinations and have been found worthy.
“We are declaring them fit to practise engineering without fear or favour, while adhering to all professional codes of conduct,” he stated.
He noted that leadership and ethical conduct were integral parts of engineering training, adding that young engineers must prioritise public interest above personal gain.
Rabiu stressed that engineering should not be treated as a social club where standards are compromised for selfish interests.
“Public trust has been given unto them, so they must be accountable. Once you become a corporate member and a registered engineer, you are publicly declaring that you will practise engineering to the best of your ability,” he added.
Also speaking, former President of the NSE, Habua Ahmed Gumel, described engineers as critical stakeholders in nation-building and infrastructure development.
He said engineering remained central to the construction of roads, bridges, industries and other infrastructure necessary for national growth.
“Engineers are indispensable to national development, and their contributions are essential to making Nigeria a greater nation,” Gumel stated.
The Chairman of the NSE Abuja Branch, Ahmed A.S.Y Kutigi, urged the newly inducted engineers to remain steadfast in protecting the integrity of the profession.
He said: “As engineers, the foundation of our profession is integrity. Whatever you do as an engineer, always remember that your primary responsibility is to save lives.
“Do not compromise your values. And if you find yourself in an environment that pushes you to compromise, it is better to walk away.”
A guest lecturer at the ceremony, Stanley Chukwuemeka Okereafor, said engineering goes beyond structures and technical calculations.
According to him, the profession is about creating value, impacting lives and leaving a lasting legacy for future generations.
The Permanent Secretary of the Federal Ministry of Agriculture and Food Security, Marcus Olaniyi Ogunbiyi, charged the engineers to remain hardworking, dedicated and committed to professional standards.
“They must avoid compromising standards and should uphold integrity, competence and professionalism in everything they do,” Ogunbiyi said.