17 February 2016
IChemE activity ramps up in Nigeria
The Institution of Chemical Engineers (IChemE) and the Nigerian Society of Chemical Engineers (NSChE) have staged their first joint event following the decision to work together in 2015. More than 100 members turned out for a lively discussion on future energy solutions held at the University of Lagos, Nigeria.
Rahmon Ade Bello, Vice-Chancellor of the University of Lagos and Professor Sunday Sam Adefila, Deputy President of NSChE, welcomed guests and set the scene for a debate that examined the impact of emerging world energy realties on chemical engineers.
IChemE's director of international development, Neil Atkinson, gave a keynote address which focused on the current global energy economy, and its impact on the profession. He highlighted the new IChemE Energy Centre and its work with policy makers to provide evidence-based solutions to energy challenges. The participants then offered their own insight based on direct experience within the energy supply chain of Africa’s largest oil producing nation.
The discussion also highlighted Nigeria’s fuel poverty challenge. Despite high volumes of oil production 44% of households in Nigeria have no electricity.
1
Speaking after the event Neil Atkinson said; “A key aim for IChemE as we approach our centenary in 2022 is to develop our international links. Events like this build stronger links with our partners and help us to understand how the big challenges, including energy, affect different countries.”
Dr John Erinne, Chairman of international Affairs Committee at NSChE gave the closing address and said: “I am delighted to see such an engaged audience of engineers in this room. Together we will use our expertise and local knowledge to help NSChE and IChemE develop their partnership, and ensure that initiatives like Chemical Engineering Matters deliver global perspectives on key issues.”
The event’s discussions will contribute towards the development of future joint activity between IChemE and NSChE. More information can be found at
www.icheme.org/nigeria.
References
1 The Borgen Project (2015) Energy Poverty in Nigeria, Available at: http://borgenproject.org/energy-poverty-in-nigeria/
Related links
Nigerian Society of Chemical Engineers
NSChE and IChemE
Chemical Engineering Matters
IChemE Energy Centre
Notes to media
For more information please contact:
Tara Wilson, PR and communications manager, IChemE
tel: +44 (0) 1788 534454
email:
twilson@icheme.org
About chemical engineers
Chemical, biochemical and process engineering is the application of science, maths and economics to the process of turning raw materials into everyday products. Professional chemical engineers design, construct and manage process operations all over the world. Oil and gas, pharmaceuticals, food and drink, synthetic fibres and clean drinking water are just some of the products where chemical engineering plays a central role
About IChemE
The Institution of Chemical Engineers (IChemE) is the global professional membership organisation for people with relevant experience or an interest in chemical engineering. With a growing global membership of over 44,000, the Institution is at the heart of the process community, promoting competence and a commitment to best practice, advancing the discipline for the benefit of society, encouraging young people in science and engineering and supporting the professional development of its members. IChemE is the only organisation to award Chartered Chemical Engineer and Professional Process Safety Engineer status.
About NSChE
Established in 1969, the Nigerian Society of Chemical Engineers (NSChE) is the professional body for chemical engineers in Nigeria and is a division of the Nigerian Society of Engineers (NSE). With around 3,000 members, NSChE fosters and promotes the chemical engineering profession in both theory and practice. Further information:
http://www.nsche.org.ng