Leadership at 6th Engineer Banagana Mohammed Lecture.
At the 6th Engineer Banagana Mohammed Distinguished Annual Public Lecture, Prof. Charles Adams, former President of the Ghana Institution of Engineering, underscored the critical need for African engineering institutions to adopt innovative and exemplary leadership. The event, held in conjunction with the annual general meeting and the induction of new members into the Nigerian Society of Engineers (NSE), was themed “Innovative Leadership: Envisioning Excellence in Engineering Leadership for the Africa We Want.”
Prof. Adams emphasized that innovative leadership is pivotal for modern engineering, advocating for a leadership style that blends creativity with new methodologies in managing people and projects. He asserted that true engineering leadership transcends mere project management, focusing instead on nurturing a collaborative environment, fostering continuous learning, and driving innovation. Effective leaders, he noted, are those who not only address technical challenges but also inspire and empower their teams to achieve their highest potential.
Highlighting the importance of strong leadership for realizing the goals set out in the African Union’s Agenda 2063, Adams stressed that Africa’s development hinges on collective efforts and exceptional leadership within engineering institutions.
Echoing Adams’ perspective, Aji Ezekiel, Chairman of the NSE Victoria Island Branch, called for a forward-thinking approach to leadership in engineering. He highlighted that innovative leadership is essential for navigating the fast-paced technological advancements and global challenges facing Africa today. Ezekiel noted that innovation extends beyond adopting new technologies; it involves cultivating a culture of creativity and adaptability. He concluded by affirming that through innovative leadership, the engineering sector can significantly contribute to economic growth, enhance quality of life, and tackle environmental and social issues across the continent.