Olumayowa Idowu gets continental role as African engineering body moves to strengthen capacity development

Olumayowa Idowu gets continental role as African engineering body moves to strengthen capacity development

The Federation of African Engineering Organisations (FAEO) has appointed a Nigerian engineer, Engr. Olumayowa Ayodeji Idowu, FNSE, to its Capacity Building Committee, in a move aimed at strengthening professional engineering development and technical expertise across Africa.

Idowu’s appointment, confirmed in a letter dated October 14, 2026, is for a two-year tenure. The federation stated that his selection followed a review of his application in accordance with its established Rules of Procedure, expressing confidence in his ability to contribute to the organisation’s strategic objectives.

A Fellow of the Nigerian Society of Engineers (NSE), Idowu is the Immediate Past Chairman of the Society’s Abeokuta Branch and currently serves as Chairman of the NSE Branch Chairmen Forum, a platform connecting branch chairmen across Nigeria and the diaspora. He also participates in international engineering activities as a member of a key committee of the World Federation of Engineering Organizations (WFEO) and its Hackathon Task Force, contributing to initiatives promoting technological innovation and professional development.

The FAEO Capacity Building Committee consists of 39 engineering professionals representing countries including Nigeria, Kenya, Ghana, Uganda, South Africa, Zambia, Tanzania, Ethiopia and Angola. Chaired by Eng. Shammah Kiteme Munyoki of Kenya, the committee also includes another Nigerian engineer, Engr. Abosede Adewole, and is expected to contribute to initiatives aimed at improving engineering competencies, institutional collaboration and professional capacity across the continent.

Reacting to the development, Idowu described the appointment as an opportunity to support Africa’s technological advancement through investment in engineering skills and knowledge. “I am honoured by the confidence reposed in me by FAEO. Africa’s development aspirations require engineers who possess the technical competence, innovative mindset and practical skills to address our unique challenges. I look forward to contributing to initiatives that will strengthen engineering institutions, promote knowledge exchange and expand professional development opportunities,” he said.

He further called for deliberate efforts to connect engineering education with industry needs and global technological developments. “We must move beyond producing engineering graduates to developing professionals who can compete internationally, drive industrial innovation and provide sustainable solutions to societal challenges. Bridging the gap between Africa and the rest of the world requires continuous learning, stronger partnerships and sustained investment in human capital,” he added.

The appointment provides an additional platform for Nigerian engineering professionals to participate in continental decision-making and collaborative initiatives, while supporting broader efforts to develop a technically skilled, innovative and globally competitive engineering workforce capable of driving Africa’s sustainable development.