Education and qualifications:
MBA Energy and Sustainability, University of Cumbria
Graduateship in Engineering, City and Guilds of London Institute
Advanced Technician Diploma in Electrical and Electronic Engineering City and Guilds of London Institute
Licentiateship in Road Transport Engineering, City and Guilds of London Institute
Licentiateship in Mechanical Engineering, City and Guilds of London Institute
Full Technological Certificate in Mechanical Engineering, City and Guilds of London Institute
Full Technological Certificate in Motor Vehicle Engineering, City and Guilds of London Institute
European Engineer, Engineers Europe
Chartered Manager, Chartered Management Institute UK
Chartered Environmentalist, Society for the Environment UK

Job title:
Technical Services and Environmental Management Lead

Employer:
EMASTANEL Industrial Limited, Nigeria

What/who inspired you to become an engineer? 
My entry into engineering was divine. During my secondary education, I did not pursue science as qualified science teachers were scarce in the then Bendel State, so  I only did art-based subjects. I entered engineering via an apprenticeship route in February 1988 through the National Directorate of Employment which was created by the Babangida military administration in Nigeria. I was fascinated by cars and trucks while growing up in the village, so when the opportunity for an apprenticeship came up, I did not hesitate to take it and kick-start my career in engineering.

Please describe your role within the workplace. 
As the Technical Services and Environmental Management Lead, I oversee all environmental management and plant engineering services. I lead a team of six engineers that develop and administer environmental management systems for clients in the food, oil/gas and banking sectors in southern Nigeria. I help clients develop and introduce a computerised maintenance management system (CMMS) for their assets.

What is the most challenging aspect of your role? 
Convincing environmental sceptics at various client sites to embrace good environmental practices has always been a challenge. However, my background in engineering and environmental management, coupled with my excellent communication skills, enabled me to achieve success. With that being said, the challenge of managing various aspects of plant engineering and environmental management at the same time is fascinating.

What is the most enjoyable aspect of your role?
Being able to bring on board many different types of individuals at various client sites to the green agenda and see them grow into effective leaders in environmental management gives me a lot of satisfaction.

What is the biggest career highlight or achievement you’re most proud of? 
I am most proud of my conceptualisation and engineered solution to the seasonal flooding of the effluent treatment plant at International Breweries Plc (an AB InBev company) in Onitsha, Nigeria The plant is always flooded during peak rain season by the River Niger, so solving this problem and ensuring that the brewery no longer discharges raw effluent to the river was a great accomplishment.

Why did you choose to become professionally registered? 
Professional registration sets you apart from the crowd, and for me, it is a passport to a good and sustainable long-term career that comes with reward and fulfilment. In my case, registering as an Incorporated Engineer in 2002 has helped me to become an International Engineering Technologist, Chartered Environmentalist and lately a European Engineer and Chartered Manager and thus has opened opportunities and given me flexibility for overseas jobs.

I would recommend professional registration because… 
I personally would recommend professional registration to anyone who qualifies for it. Globalisation has made professional registration more important than ever. Various engineering agreements with the Engineering Council help facilitate mobility for those interested in working overseas.

What career advice would you give to your younger self? 
The emergence of AI and the quest to tackle climate change have created many career opportunities in engineering and technology. There are various options and routes to a rewarding career in engineering and there is a place for everyone, from technician apprenticeship through to degree apprenticeship. The most important thing is to develop an interest in the field and choose the path that best suits your needs and qualifications at the point of entry.

Do you participate in mentoring, volunteering, or membership of other engineering groups? 
I was a professional review assessor for Incorporated Engineers for two years with the former Institution of Incorporated Engineers. Currently, I am a peer reviewer for REnvTech and REnvP apprenticeship mapping with the Society for the Environment, and I was appointed international professional review interviewer by the Institution of Mechanical Engineers. I also mentor engineering and environmental staff in my company.

If relevant, please list three favourite projects you have worked on

• Conceptualisation and engineered solution to address seasonal flooding at International Breweries Plc Onitsha, Nigeria.
• Designed and erected a solid trap at entry to the effluent treatment plant that reduced total suspended solids (TSS) from 72mg/l to 20mg/l at International Breweries Plc, Onitsha, Nigeria.
• Designed and incorporated an Industrial Automatic Voltage Regulator to stabilise the electrical power supply to the International Breweries Plc packaging lines at Onitsha, Nigeria.