The Engineering profession has a rich and growing tradition in Nigeria. Associations and professional bodies in the field of engineering are useful for the professional self-development of engineers. Such organizations in addition provide opportunities for networking with other members of the profession.Nigeria Society of Engineers (NSE)The Executive Secretary1, Engineering CloseP.O. Box 72667Victoria Island, Lagos, NigeriaTel: 234-1-4709006, 2610743
Fax: 234-1-2617315
E -mail: Nsehq@infoweb.abs.net, nsehqr@linkserve.com, nse@nse.org.ng Website: http://www.nse.org.ng
NSE Liason Office ABUJA
10, Damaturu Close, OPP NO. 92 3rd Avenue Road,
Gwarimpa, FMW&H Estate, Abuja, Nigeria
Tel: 234-9-6705686, 5200887
Fax: 234-9-5200623
COREN (Council for the Regulation of Engineering in Nigeria)The RegistrarPlot 466, Lobito CrescentOff Adetokunbo AdemolaWuse II, Abuja, NigeriaTel: 234-9-4130178, 4138891
Society of Petroleum Engineers (Nigeria Council)# 4 Moscow RoadP. O. Box 4668Port Harcourt, NigeriaTel: 234-84231138, 234-8037940204E-mail: spenigeria@spemail.org, spenigeria@hotmail.com, adoa_spenc@yahoo.com Web site: http://www.spenigeria.spe.org
Divisions of the Nigeria Society of EngineersAeronautical DivisionEngr. Y.S.O Abdul, MNSEFAAN Staff QuartersBlock D-22, Flat 1, IkejaP.O. Box 5608, Surulere, Lagos, Nigeria.Tel: 234-8033026873E-mail: abdulyso2002@yahoo.co.uk
Association of Professional Women Engineers of Nigeria (APWEN)1, Engineering CloseVictoria Island, Lagos, NigeriaTel: 234-1-4718679, 234-8033211699
Geotechnical DivisionEngr. (Dr) S.U. Ejezie,Dept. of Civil & Environ. EnginerringUniversity of Port Harcourt,P.O box 415, Uniport, Choba, P.H.Rivers State, Nigeria.E-mail: nsegeotechdiv@yahoo.co.uk
Institute of Appraisers & Cost EngineersEngr. Otis Anyaeji, FNSEc/o O.T. Otis EngineeringP.O. Box 2932, Warri, Lagos, NigeriaTel: 234-53-320195, 234- 8022906099, 234-8037079061
Metallurgical & Mining DivisionEngr. (Chief) P.U. Umunnakwe15, Awolowo Road, Ikoyi, Lagos, NigeriaLagos. Tel: 234-1-2668125OrGeophil Services (Nig) Ltd12 Floor, LSDPC HouseNnamdi Azikiwe Road, Lagos, NigeriaTel: 234-803403508
Nigeria Society of Chemical EngineersNo 90 Oyetuba Street, Off Awolowo way close to MAN HOUSEIkeja, Lagos, NigeriaTel/Fax: 234-1-7917710Email: nsche@beta.linkserve.com
Website: http://www.nsche.org
Nigerian Institution of Agricultural Engineers (NIAE) Engr. Prof. J. O. Ohu, FNSEDept. of Agric, EngineeringUniversity of MaiduguriP.M.B. 1069, Maiduguri, Nigeria234-76-236238, 234-8023713019E-mail: johu@infoweb.abs.net
Nigerian Institution of Civil Engineers (NICE)1 Oguntonade Close,Off Okupe Estate, Road, Maryland, Lagos, NigeriaTel: 234-1-473280601-4732806, 4975188Nigerian Institution Of Structural Engineers5, Akinhanmi StreetSurulere, Lagos, NigeriaTel: 234-1-2600520-9, 234-8033083557E-mail: kunle.adebajo@arup.com
NSE Electrical DivisionNSE (Electrical Division) Secretariat7, Ibikunle Street, Off Herbert Macaulay StreetYaba, LagosTel: 234-1-7929426, 234-8033200786E-mail: coleao-123@yahoo.com
NSE (Environment Division)Engr. Babatunde A. Oshodi, MNSEMinistry of the Environment,Block 16, Room 302Alausa Secretariat, Ikeja, Lagos, NigeriaTel: 234-80-33187032E-mail: env.nse@yahoo.co.uk, baoshodi@yahoo.com
NSE Industrial DivisionMin. of Petroleum Res., NNPC Zonal Office18, Warri/Sapele Road, Warri, Detal State, NigeriaTel: 234-53-200160-79E-mail: epcannibu@infoweb.abs.net.com
NSE Mechanical Division1, Engineering CloseVictoria Island, Lagos, NigeriaE-mail: engrtundezedomi@yahoo.com
Petroleum and Gas DivisionEngr. Yomi Adeyemi-Wilson, FNSEPlot 1386A Tramiyu Savage StreetVictoria Island, Lekki, Lagos, NigeriaTel: 234-1-2615454, 7738969, 234-8022902266
Saturday, August 15, 2009
Nigeria Needs to train Engineers now for TRACON to survive
Multi-billion naira Total Radar Coverage of Nigeria (TRACON) may not stand the test of time unless something is done urgently to ensure that Nigerian engineers are given adequate training.Meanwhile, the Nigerian College of Aviation Technology (NCAT), Zaria, is in possession of a copy of the equipment for training purposes. The TRACON is currently being used effectively at the Murtala Muhammed International Airport, Lagos, and the Nnamdi Azikiwe International Airport, Abuja, for the purpose of giving adequate radar coverage for the nation’s airspace. Aliyu Onipede, an engineer, who is also the head of Aviation Management School at NCAT, however, declared that the Federal Government ought to get a copy into the school so that engineers can be trained on its applications and soft wares. “The kind of training those air traffic controllers and engineers of the Nigerian Airspace Management Agency (NAMA) went for just two weeks or there about, cannot solve the problem. We need to send some engineers for factory test, as a copy is sited in Zaria so that we can continue to train young people.” Onipede stated that having a maintenance contract with the manufacturers would not be serve the nation as much as when there are trained personnel either trained at NCAT or the ones sent for factory training. “We need a copy here, we cannot continue to send our people overseas for two or three weeks in the name of training, we will not achieve anything with that, we should at least send them out for training for about two years, that is when we are ready to develop our young engineers. “We did same for the F28 simulator when we sent some people to the factory. They were there for the duration of assembly and came back with the equipment. They were very useful to the nation until the aircraft type was faced out altogether.” He then pointed out that it was not late, as the Port-Harcourt and Kano airports TRACON are still under construction, and urged that some engineers should be deployed to work with the manufacturers, more importantly, in order to pass whatever they learn to others. Meanwhile, the Nigerian Airspace Management Agency (NAMA) announced it has taken delivery of a large bulk of equipment for the Port-Harcourt and Kano airports. According to Supo Atobatele, general manager, public affairs of the agency, the civil works for the two sites had been awarded and ongoing. The five containers, bearing the equipment have been cleared at the Lagos sea port and they are being moved to the various sites, while 15 more containers for the two sites and other five remote locations are expected from France before the end of the month. NAMA states authoritatively that it does not have any equipment at the port waiting for Customs’ clearance, but the agency will however like to make it clear that the presidential mandate on the completion of the project by November this year, is still on course. Meanwhile, the factory acceptance test for the radar system and that of the Very Small Aperture Terminal (VSAT) had been carried out. The VSAT installation, which is going to be the last phase of the project, is scheduled for installation October this year and will be completed November at all the sites. At present, two locations of the project - Lagos and Abuja - are operating for effective air traffic management. The rector of the Nigerian College of Aviation Technology (NCAT), Zaria, Adebayo Araba, an aircraft captain, stated that there is no need for state governments in Nigeria to have flying schools, rather, such states desirous of having aviation colleges should collaborate with NCAT, with a view of addressing the dearth of technical manpower in the aviation sector.Araba, who listed long gestation period and massive capital requirements as hurdles states may find insurmountable in setting up an aviation college, also noted that the current financial crisis in the country may pose as a road block for the realisation of their dreams.The NCAT chief executive, who addressed reporters at the college recently, explained that the geographical terrain of some states are not conducive for the site of such flying schools, especially prevailing weather condition in the states, which project promoters have not fully explored before embarking on the project.State governments that have expressed interest in setting up aviation flying college include; Kwara, Akwa Ibom, and others, which are building airports with a view of adding flying colleges, as one of the ways to address the dearth of skilled technical manpower in the aviation sector. Araba explained that within the next three years, NCAT will through its integrated and rapid capacity building programme, be able to fill the vacuum in manpower needs in the aviation sector. He said from the single functional aircraft he met on ground last year when appointed as the rector, NCAT can now boast of about 25 trainer aircraft, which are fully functional, including plans by the college to acquire a simulator to fast-track training of pilots and other technical aviation professionals.According to him, the pilots training programme, which usually takes about 70 weeks, can be reduced to about 60 weeks if the right equipment is in place.He however lauded some state governments including Kaduna, Sokoto, Akwa Ibom, and others, which have assisted in sponsoring the training of pilots, aircraft engineers, air traffic controllers, and other cadre of aviation professionals in the college.In line with the quota allocation policy of the government, 36 students were given scholarships yearly to reflect all the states in the country, even as some airlines, including Arik Air, Aero, and others have been partners in offering scholarships for the training of pilots.
Working Abroad - A Guide For Engineers
For UK chemical engineers, the worldwide market is predominantly focused on the oil and gas and petrochemical industries with comparative consistent demand for engineers with both on and offshore experience to work in areas such as the Middle East, Africa, Caspian Regions and Western Europe.
Other active industries for Expat engineers are in the pharmaceutical and life science sectors - but indications suggest that demand is from isolated areas such as Singapore, Scandinavia and the Benelux regions.
Overseas work for UK engineers is available on both a contract and permanent basis - and it is the nature of this work that is all covered within this rough guide.
How do I know I have the necessary skills?
From a professional perspective industry knowledge and experience - specifically in the Oil and Gas sector, is the most important skill requirement. Traditionally, UK engineers have been very highly respected for their qualifications and trusted by clients to complete a job efficiently and effectively.
Generally, previous overseas work is desirable (inducing a Catch 22 situation) but with solid, relevant UK experience a UK engineer will still be in demand for employment overseas.
Qualifications and industry experience are necessary traits for an Expat engineer, but language skills are not essential. Professional capability is only half of the picture, as it takes a particular type of person to fit into the lifestyle of work overseas. It is great to have a sense of adventure, but working abroad requires much more than this. You should think long and hard about whether this is the right move for you or not.
Benefits of working overseas
Apart from the raised profile of going to work overseas, there are some other very real benefits. For most engineers, the most significant is the opportunity to get involved in the operational side of things and get out of the design office. A good deal of overseas contract work, particularly in the oil and gas sector, requires site visits and a hands-on management approach that is often not possible working in the UK.
There is also the potential for significantly higher pay rates to be negotiated. Expatriate engineers can command a pay rate premium, which can also be further escalated if the project location is classed as a hardship area, such as Nigeria and Iraq, where there may be personal risk involved.
A final key benefit is that of the experience of the assignment itself. The ability to come into contact with different cultures and nationalities and broaden ones knowledge is a key determinant in attracting contractors to work overseas.
Pitfalls to look out for when considering overseas work
Generally, there is a misconception that all work overseas includes tax-free pay. In fact, there are only a handful of countries where pay is completely tax-free and very often there is a liability to local taxation. The majority of countries will enforce some kind of taxation structure, but this varies from country to country, and in the case of the USA from state to state.
As regards UK tax liability, the basic ruling is that UK Expatriates can only spend 90 days in the UK in any one tax year to preserve their status as "non-resident" for tax purposes.
There are other general considerations to working abroad that should be thought about as well - including: work place climate, hardship locations, and how being away from home will impact on family life. Adequate research through speaking to colleagues, consulting with a recruitment agency, and investigating yourself using online resources will all help to build a picture of whether an assignment or location is suitable for you.
Services an agency can offer
Securing work overseas is a more complicated process to finding a suitable contract in the UK. There are a number of reputable recruitment agencies in the UK that have active overseas recruitment teams and solid experience of providing international recruitment solutions to worldwide clients.
When you work through a recruitment agency on an overseas placement, additional services, such as insurances, healthcare and in-country orientation can be expected on top of the standard placement service.
Overseas employment can be an excellent experience for the well-prepared engineer. Having both a certain sense of adventure and conducting adequate research are prerequisites for experiencing an enjoyable and rewarding placement; and contacting a reputable agency to locate suitable opportunities is a good first step in achieving this.
http://www.nes.co.uk
NES is a leading global technical recruitment business providing professionally qualified contract staff to blue chip clients across the world in the oil and gas, infrastructure, rail, power and IT sectors. Founded in 1978, a committed workforce has facilitated the company's success and continues to ensure that NES experiences ongoing growth in terms of customers, geography and sector.
Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Kath_Finney
Other active industries for Expat engineers are in the pharmaceutical and life science sectors - but indications suggest that demand is from isolated areas such as Singapore, Scandinavia and the Benelux regions.
Overseas work for UK engineers is available on both a contract and permanent basis - and it is the nature of this work that is all covered within this rough guide.
How do I know I have the necessary skills?
From a professional perspective industry knowledge and experience - specifically in the Oil and Gas sector, is the most important skill requirement. Traditionally, UK engineers have been very highly respected for their qualifications and trusted by clients to complete a job efficiently and effectively.
Generally, previous overseas work is desirable (inducing a Catch 22 situation) but with solid, relevant UK experience a UK engineer will still be in demand for employment overseas.
Qualifications and industry experience are necessary traits for an Expat engineer, but language skills are not essential. Professional capability is only half of the picture, as it takes a particular type of person to fit into the lifestyle of work overseas. It is great to have a sense of adventure, but working abroad requires much more than this. You should think long and hard about whether this is the right move for you or not.
Benefits of working overseas
Apart from the raised profile of going to work overseas, there are some other very real benefits. For most engineers, the most significant is the opportunity to get involved in the operational side of things and get out of the design office. A good deal of overseas contract work, particularly in the oil and gas sector, requires site visits and a hands-on management approach that is often not possible working in the UK.
There is also the potential for significantly higher pay rates to be negotiated. Expatriate engineers can command a pay rate premium, which can also be further escalated if the project location is classed as a hardship area, such as Nigeria and Iraq, where there may be personal risk involved.
A final key benefit is that of the experience of the assignment itself. The ability to come into contact with different cultures and nationalities and broaden ones knowledge is a key determinant in attracting contractors to work overseas.
Pitfalls to look out for when considering overseas work
Generally, there is a misconception that all work overseas includes tax-free pay. In fact, there are only a handful of countries where pay is completely tax-free and very often there is a liability to local taxation. The majority of countries will enforce some kind of taxation structure, but this varies from country to country, and in the case of the USA from state to state.
As regards UK tax liability, the basic ruling is that UK Expatriates can only spend 90 days in the UK in any one tax year to preserve their status as "non-resident" for tax purposes.
There are other general considerations to working abroad that should be thought about as well - including: work place climate, hardship locations, and how being away from home will impact on family life. Adequate research through speaking to colleagues, consulting with a recruitment agency, and investigating yourself using online resources will all help to build a picture of whether an assignment or location is suitable for you.
Services an agency can offer
Securing work overseas is a more complicated process to finding a suitable contract in the UK. There are a number of reputable recruitment agencies in the UK that have active overseas recruitment teams and solid experience of providing international recruitment solutions to worldwide clients.
When you work through a recruitment agency on an overseas placement, additional services, such as insurances, healthcare and in-country orientation can be expected on top of the standard placement service.
Overseas employment can be an excellent experience for the well-prepared engineer. Having both a certain sense of adventure and conducting adequate research are prerequisites for experiencing an enjoyable and rewarding placement; and contacting a reputable agency to locate suitable opportunities is a good first step in achieving this.
http://www.nes.co.uk
NES is a leading global technical recruitment business providing professionally qualified contract staff to blue chip clients across the world in the oil and gas, infrastructure, rail, power and IT sectors. Founded in 1978, a committed workforce has facilitated the company's success and continues to ensure that NES experiences ongoing growth in terms of customers, geography and sector.
Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Kath_Finney
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