I am delighted to reflect on the remarkable success of the 36th International Conference and Annual General Meeting, held in Ilorin, Kwara State, 2023, organized by the Nigerian Institution of Mechanical Engineering, National Student Forum (a Division of the Nigerian Society of Engineers). This conference, the culmination of five months of meticulous planning by an exceptional team of student members from various regions of Nigeria, aimed to provide an enriching and better experience for students at Harmony’23.
Conference Highlights:
The conference aimed to foster knowledge exchange, host renowned international speakers, and exhibit cutting-edge engineering solutions through the Patrick Andrews Innovation and Engineering Challenge 2nd Edition. It also facilitated networking among 28+ NIMechE student chapters and conducted a transparent Annual General Meeting and elections.
Conference Achievements:
The conference achieved significant milestones, including the inauguration of two new NIMechE-NSF chapters (Universitypf Maiduguri & Ramat Polytechnic, Maiduguri), expanding our footprint and strengthening our community. Furthermore, we conducted a free, fair, and credible election, leading to the emergence of new leaders who will steer our Institution (NIMechE-NSF) to greater heights. A momentous achievement was the official launch of NIMechE-NSF’s annual magazine titled “Gears of Progress,” a testament to our commitment to knowledge dissemination and innovation.
Challenges Overcome:
Despite navigating logistical hurdles, mobility constraints, financial limitations, and technology integration challenges, the Central Planning Committee (CPC) NIMechE-NSF adeptly managed these issues, ensuring the event’s success.
Appreciation:
Gratitude extends to our generous supporters, including the Nigerian Institution of Mechanical Engineers (NIMechE), for their financial and moral backing.
I extend heartfelt thanks to the Central Planning Committee for their unwavering dedication in organizing the 36th International Conference. Special appreciation goes to our esteemed CPC Chairman Engr Obianuju Okwusogu MNIMechE and Engr Babagana Modu Tela FNIMechE (alternate CPC Chairman) whose personal donation and leadership were instrumental. Her (CPC Chairman, NIMechE) generosity, alongside the committee’s collective efforts, significantly contributed to overcoming challenges and ensuring the conference’s success. We are deeply grateful for their contributions, which made this conference possible.
We also acknowledge our NIMechE-NS/GF Committee headed by our Father, Engr. Musbau Lawal, FNIMechE, who is one of our Newest Fellow, we say a big thank you for your fatherly role, care, and understanding during the programme.
Gratitude also goes to Dr. S. A. Yahaya, MNSE, MNIMechE, the Ilorin Chapter Chairman of the Institution who has released all the resources at his disposal towards the success of this conference, you’re appreciated, sir.
Also, the Vice Chairman of NIMechE Ilorin Chapter and the Grand Master for the National Student Forum Engr. Babalola Moshood, MNIMechE, MNSE, was 24 hours available for us from the Planning stage, begining and end of the programme. We appreciate you for your patience, timely interventions and your availability from morning till midnight, we celebrate you, thank you sir.
Our Past Exco, Starting with our Pioneer President, Engr Ibrahim Olushola Balogun (IOB), MNIMechE, MNSE, who has been piloting our affairs for many years now without being tired, thank you sir for the passion and also sir, continue to track our graduate members and encourage them to become Corporate members.
The immediate past President, Abuh Enochojo Rasheed,
NIMechE-NSF2021/2022, thanks for your support and understanding towards the success achieved.
The immediate past Gen. Sec., Akinwale E. O., NIMechE-NSF2021/2022, thanks for your wonderful role. You have both done well.
Special heartfelt thank you to the NIMechE-NSF Central Planning Committee and volunteers for your exceptional dedication and hard work. Your contributions were invaluable in making our conference a resounding success. I’m proud of your achievements and sincerely hope our reward comes to us.
And finally, our New President, Jonathan Ajiboye, President Elect, NIMechE-NSF 2023 and Exco members, thank you for your passion for wanting to serve while we wish you the best.
Conclusion:
Harmony’23 exceeded expectations, leaving a lasting legacy. To the new leadership under President Jonathan Ajiboye, our best wishes accompany you.
The lessons learned and the collective achievements at Harmony’23 will guide our future endeavors.
In appreciation and anticipation of greater milestones, I also congratulate all our student participants that attended the programme from across the country and by the way we conducted ourselves. I say a big thank you to you all.
Greatest Nigerian Students!
WHEN IT MOVES – It’s MECHANICAL!!!
David Echefulam Echendu CLMI
SMNIMechE || SMNSE || SMIET || ASME || M. SPE || AMIMechE || FSIIF || OShA UK
Chairman, Central Planning Committee
NIMechE-NSF
