Engr. Sholagberu Unveils Agenda as NATE Kwara 5th Chairman

The newly inaugurated 5th Chairman of the Nigerian Association of Technologists in Engineering (NATE), Kwara State Branch, Engr. Mahamud Saka Sholagberu, has pledged to strengthen the association through professionalism, innovation, inclusiveness and strategic partnerships.

Speaking during his investiture in Ilorin, Sholagberu said his administration would prioritise membership growth, continuous professional development, student engagement, members’ welfare and advocacy for the recognition of engineering technologists in national development.

He also promised to foster stronger collaboration with government agencies, industries, academic institutions and sister professional bodies to create more opportunities for members.

Sholagberu described the occasion as historic, as it also featured the induction of student members of Kwara State Polytechnic into NATE and the presentation of merit awards to distinguished personalities.

He expressed appreciation to the Governor of Kwara State, Mallam AbdulRahman AbdulRazaq, represented at the event, the National President of NATE, Rt. Hon. Engr. Tgst. Dominic Udoatan, the Board of Trustees, past chairmen, sponsors, committee members and other stakeholders for their support.

Calling for unity and collective commitment, the new chairman urged members to work together in advancing the engineering technology profession and contributing meaningfully to the development of Kwara State and Nigeria.

For his part, The National President and Chairman-in-Council of the Nigerian Association of Technologists in Engineering (NATE), Rt. Hon. Engr. Tech. Dominic Udoatan, KSM, FNATE, has urged members of the Kwara State branch to unite behind the newly inaugurated Chairman, Engr. Tech. Mahamud Saka Sholagberu, for the growth of the association and the engineering technology profession.

Udoatan described leadership as both a privilege and a responsibility, urging the new executive to uphold transparency, inclusiveness, teamwork, and professionalism throughout its tenure.

The NATE President commended the immediate past leadership of the branch for its contributions to the association’s progress and encouraged members to continue supporting the new administration. He also reaffirmed NATE’s commitment to advancing engineering technology practice through capacity building, advocacy, and collaboration with stakeholders.

Udoatan called on the Federal Government, the Head of the Civil Service of the Federation, and the National Council on Establishments to review the Scheme of Service for engineering technologists to provide a clear career progression to the highest levels based on competence and experience rather than certificate classifications.

He also applauded the National Assembly’s move to empower polytechnics to award Bachelor of Technology (B.Tech) degrees, describing it as a significant step towards eliminating the long-standing dichotomy between university and polytechnic graduates and strengthening technical education in Nigeria.

While appreciating the Federal Government’s efforts in national development, the NATE President urged authorities to prioritise the security of lives and property as the country approaches another election season, stressing that peace and security remain essential for sustainable development.

Udoatan further invited members and stakeholders to participate in the 42nd NATE National Conference and Annual General Meeting scheduled for November 11–13, 2026, in Port Harcourt, Rivers State, with the theme, “Safety Regulation and Enforcement in Engineering: A Panacea to Industrial and Technological Growth in Nigeria.”

He concluded by congratulating Engr. Tech. Mahamud Saka Sholagberu and the newly inaugurated executive, expressing confidence that their leadership would further strengthen the Kwara State branch and advance the objectives of the association.