ENGR PRISCA KANEBI (FNSE) BECOMES 5TH NATIONAL CHAIRMAN AND 1ST FELLOWSHIP CONFERMENT OF THE INSTITUTION OF PETROLEUM ENGINEERS

By Chris Benson

Report of Investiture 

March 19th 2022 was the investiture ceremony of the amiable Engineer Prisca Kanebi (FNSE, FNISAFETYE, FIMC CMC C. ENG, RMP. Engineer Prisca became the 5th National Chairman of the agency; the first woman to occupy this position. Her position was significant as it coincided with Women’s month and the celebration of the theme: #BreakTheBias.

The days’ ceremony commenced with security and safety information followed by the rendition of the National Anthem which was overseen by master of ceremony Mr. Richmond Osuji.

The master of ceremony thereafter did a roll call of dignitaries. This has been attached as appendix to this report. At this point he invited the guest speaker, Dr. Bismarck Rewane to make his opening remarks.

Dr. Bismarck while making his presentation titled: The Nigerian Upper stream oil and gas sectors: trends opportunities and threats stated that the world is facing energy crisis. He noted that though the crisis will be attributed to Russian and Ukraine, that it was an indication of lack of preparedness by the world. He stated that Nigeria’s case is made worse but fundamentally the energy crisis had been in existence relating it with challenge of several recessions the country has faced and the impact of COVID-19 pandemic.

Dr. Bismarch regretted during his presentation that analysts failed to predict that Covid-19 which originated from China will bring the world to its knees cautioning that we must be careful about the analysis we make.

On the question of policies and their effectiveness, he stated that economic policies are made on fundamental principles of a reasonable man’s test. He further posited that there is need for interventions that are made with all sectors duly consulted. Policy makers, engineers everybody inclusive. Continuing, he stressed that policies must reflect the needs and yearnings of all sector of the country citing example of recent CBNs slash of interbank charges, which he said has no bearing or usefulness for ordinary Nigerians who do not have money in the banks. He regretted the poor performance of naira against dollar stating that if oil is driving Nigeria’s economy how come Nigerian currency is under-valued at a time when oil prices are on the rise?

Speaking on the global oil market, he regretted the fact that Nigeria which is an oil producing nation is facing energy crisis. He stated that global oil market has been ratified by the ongoing Russia-Ukraine war stating that the current challenges tells us what will happen in the future.

He is of the view that the current challenges in the world might lead to spike and resurgence of COVID-19, noting that Nigeria might be affected by the following challenges:

-more citizens becoming refugees 

-heightened energy crisis. 

-Commodity crisis

-Financial crisis

-Political crisis

He regretted the high cost of commodities despite the fact that they are produced in Nigeria. An example is the Dangote fertilizer which he stated that its high cost might lead to food insecurity as farmers need it to boost their crop production.

He concluded his presentation by stating that Nigerians must protect their way of life to avoid the following which he described as the oil sector outlook:

-Existing refineries might be sold, to turn around might not be profitable

-Government revenue might drop, inflation will rise

-Supply disruption 

-Inflation spikes

-A tighter monetary policy stance

-Social unrest resulting from high prices

Responding to the question of whether Nigeria was drilling oil for local uses or for export, he stated that Nigeria is not alone in the current challenges facing the world but stated that Nigeria’s problem is not revenue based but management problem.

In his conclusion, he stated

that young Nigerians might force a new dispensation on us and its either we shape up or shape out.

His presentation was followed by the Key note address by 7th vice chancellor of University of Port Harcourt, Joseph A. Ajienka which he titled: “Future of petroleum engineering and petroleum engineering future.”

He dedicated his presentation to his former lecturers and seasoned professionals in the engineering sector. He stated that his presentation was aimed at inducing reflection on the implication and impact of the digital transformation sweeping through all industries in the 4th industrial revolution which he said also coincided with the fact that we are in a new age of knowledge which he described as the age of Sustainable Development.

His paper stated that every age requires a predominant source of energy to drive the infrastructure and development. He opined that the new age of sustainable development with 17 goals (SDG’s) requires green energy noting that sustainability stands on 4 pillars namely social sustainability, economic sustainability, cultural sustainability and environmental sustainability.

He noted that the energy transition has forced many oil and gas companies to change focus and broaden out. He is of the view that creative and innovative development of a new curriculum of education for sustainable development for the up building of the new knowledge society must be characterized by green culture driven by green energy which is what is required presently.

QHe further submitted that his presentation proposes education 4.0 which is ESD in which the sustainable development goals (SDGs) are mainstreamed into the curriculum such that graduates become agents of transformation who through intensive research find solutions to the challenges militating against sustainable development.

He expressed the view that people should not panic during energy transition noting that while the industry is changing, those in the academia should also change expressing the fear that graduates will not be employable if we do not change-

He informed the gathering that Total has embraced this change and has become Total energy, same as SEPLAT, noting that these changes should guide in curriculum planning

He stated that Nigeria’s major challenge is power, if we change it, things will change. He further submitted that everything is going green and we must bear this in mind, when we talk about our curriculum. He said that our curriculum must take into consideration energy transition and digital transformation. Energy transition should not mean that we should abandon oil. We have gas reserves and that’s the way to go. There is need to embrace new knowledge, economic education for sustainable development.

He said that curriculum adaptation, adapted to new realities, energy adaptation, innovative technology and entrepreneurship, data generation is the way to go. He committed to partnering with the engineering body to publish existing works, emphasized the need for partnerships and collaborations with all relevant bodies. He concluded by saying that Nigeria must think differently, and talk about department of petroleum energy adding Sustainable Development Goals which he stated is very useful as means of supporting our nation and our graduates especially those focusing on engineering.

The next presentation was by the President of Nigerian Society of engineers of Nigeria –Engineer Tasiu Saa’d who was ably represented by J.s Adebayo.

In his presentation, he expressed appreciation to all members and the role they played to bring him to the 33rd event. He reported that he is proud that they are running an inclusive leadership. He pledged for support for future running of the institute. His presentation challenged the members to step up their activities and collaboration with headquarters as a means of achieving greater results and bringing innovations that can impact national development. He stated that there are many policies of the government important to them and they cannot take back seat in their quest for development. He urged members of the institute to create more jobs and become self-sufficient. He stressed that they had set an agenda running for development of members and look forward to members’ contributions at the national levels. He then congratulated Prisca who had emerged the 5th Chairman, stating that they look forward to working with her. He concluded by stating that he is convinced that the newly installed chairman will leave the institute better than she met it, urging her to work with her team to create change.

His presentation was followed by Chief Dr. Ibe the outgoing chairman. He extolled the virtues of Dr. Prisca and said he was glad that she was stepping into the position as she merits it.

His presentation was followed by the Investiture ceremony where citation of the 5th chairman of the institute was read by Mrs. Nwogu. The citation proved that Engineer Prisca is a well-seasoned professional who contributes to developments and wearing different caps. Thereafter, the new chairman was decorated by the outgoing chairman Dr. Chief Ibe. With this ceremony she gave her chairman’s speech

Chairman Speech

I am so honored that so many of you have joined us today at the inaugural launch of our institution. I am also grateful to be able to share this moment with friends from my younger days at school and especially my family. I will never forget.

I’m grateful to all the members of the institution for being here today, especially our fellowship conferences who have come from outside Lagos. I hope you have enjoyed the proceedings this morning as much as I have. I want to thank all speakers for sharing their wisdom and advice.

I feel a great sense of responsibility as I follow in the footsteps of the four prior national chairmen, each of whom skillfully steered us through different times and circumstances. Two of them, Engr. Adeyemi Wilson and Engr. Anthony Abolarine, are with us today. Together they have led us through a remarkable 27 years of growth in size and stature. I look up to them as examples and value them as my elders to look up during this my period of stewardship. I would like to recognize them both and thank them for their continuous support to the institution.

One thing I have learned these few days, is the fact that learning requires that we confront and connect evidence, perspectives and ideas that are different from our own. Our minds are hard-wired to reaffirm what we already believe. That’s why we like to hang out with people who agree with us or why we always watch the same news channel and read the same newspaper.

We are a young institution and there is so much work still to be carried out to close the gaps between the academia and the industry as well as leave an indelible mark on who we are and what we stand for. We will collaborate with the government and all other stakeholders to bring about a strong institution that makes positive impact to our industry and country as well.

Talk is cheap as we know, so I wish not to say much, but do my best along-side my other executives and to do more to grow our institution. Let us design and build a better future, let us work on our mission. -together

She then conferred fellowship on 11 engineers while the citation for Professor Falade from the University of Ibadan was read.

After the Chairman’s speech, the representative of the Governor, Mr. Olalere Odusote who is the Lagos state Commissioner for Energy and Mineral Resources congratulated the agency, commending the good work they are doing towards a better economy. He stated that Lagos stated appreciates their contribution and welcomes the investiture of a female which he said was commendable. He stated that the Lagos state government is willing to support and partner with the institute towards finding solutions to Nigeria’s energy issues. He concluded by acknowledging their accomplishments.

Concluding comments

The concluding comments was made by Engineer Rabiu. He started by extolling the virtues of Engineer Prisca stating that she has rich pedigree and expressed no doubt as to her ability to carry out her tasks with distinction. He commended the two major presenters of the day, noting that they dwelt on energy crisis and educational curriculum. He urged the engineers present to use lessons learnt to address the challenges they had enumerated and enhance the sector. He further urged them to commence the process of transiting to outcome based learning. He mentioned that on his part, he had carried out sensitization trainings across schools and challenged others to work in that direction. In his conclusion, he wished the new chairman elect success in her endeavors.

The vote of thanks was given by chairperson of the planning committee Dr. Orodu who thanked all dignitaries for gracing the occasion. She also thanked all other invited guests who made out time to attend the event. Her speech brought the program to a close.