Engineering institutions urged to provide innovative leadership

By Joy Baba-Yesufu

A former President of Ghana Institution of Engineering, Prof. Charles Adams, has said that African engineering institutions need innovative and excellent leadership.
He noted this at the 6th Engineer Banagana Mohammed Distinguished Annual Public Lecture, titled: “Innovative Leadership: Envisioning Excellence in Engineering Leadership for the Africa We Want”.
The event coincided with the annual general meeting and the induction of inductees into the Nigerian Society of Engineers.
He said, “Innovative leadership is a style of leadership that involves applying innovation and creativity to managing people and projects. Innovative leaders often inspire productivity in new ways and through different approaches than have typically been used and taken.
“Engineering leadership encompasses the art of guiding and inspiring a team of engineers to achieve technological feats and innovations. It involves not just managing projects but also fostering a culture of collaboration, continuous learning, and innovation within the engineering team.
“The core of engineering leadership lies in steering the team towards a common goal while nurturing individual growth and technical excellence.”
According to Adams, engineering leaders not only solve technical challenges but also inspire and empower their team members to reach their full potential.
He added, “Engineering institutions have a major role as facilitators in the implementation, monitoring, and evaluation of the aspirations in the AU 2063
“Leadership innovation and excellence in strong engineering institutions are prerequisites for the Africa we want. The Africa we want is possible, let’s do it together.”
Meanwhile, the Chairman Nigerian Society of Engineers, Victoria Island Branch, Aji Ezekiel, said innovative leadership was more than a slogan, but a call to action.
He said, “In an era where technological advancements and global challenges are rapidly evolving, it is imperative that we, as leaders in the engineering community, embrace a forward-thinking mindset. Innovation is not merely about adopting new technologies; it is about fostering a culture of creativity and adaptability that drives meaningful progress.
“The African continent stands at a crossroads, with immense opportunities and significant challenges.
“It is through innovative leadership that we will shape a future where engineering plays a central role in driving economic growth, improving quality of life, and addressing environmental and social issues.”