Expert, Nweke calls on Engineers to advance in technology

By John Derechi , Abuja

A renowned structural engineer and fellow of Nigerian Society of Engineers (NSE), Joan Nweke, has emphasized the need for engineers to strike a balance between technological advancements and responsibility. 

She made this disclosure while lending her voice as the world celebrates World Engineering Day 2026 with the theme “Smart Engineering for a Sustainable Future Through Innovation and Digitalization,” 

It is tempting to focus on the visible symbols of progress — artificial intelligence, smart sensors, automation, robotics, and digital twins.

She questioned are we merely digitizing our tools — or are we redesigning the very culture of engineering? Stressing that For too long, innovation has been measured by speed — faster processors, smarter devices, automated systems that reduce human input. 

Yet true innovation is not defined by the sophistication of our technology. It is defined by the impact of our thinking.

” Engineering becomes transformative when it reshapes systems, strengthens societies, and builds continuity across generations.

Sustainability, therefore, must be understood beyond carbon reduction targets or energy transition headlines. It is about continuity — continuity of systems, continuity of knowledge, continuity of leadership, and continuity of values.

Nweke highlights the need for engineers to prioritize ethics, leadership, and human-centered sustainability.

She argued that technological advancements and responsible engineering practice stands on two coins affecting modern sustainable engineering activities. 

Experts pointed out that innovation must be accompanied by ethics and accountability to ensure sustainable development.

Nweke, also a Nigerian Institution of Civil Engineers (NICE), advocated for a transformative shift in engineering education, incorporating sustainability, innovation, and practical skills development. She urged engineers to prioritize public safety, environmental protection, and social responsibility, citing the importance of ethical considerations in engineering decisions..

“True innovation is not defined by the sophistication of our technology, but by the impact of our thinking, emphasizing the importance of redesigning the culture of engineering.

The expert underscored the key areas of focus as ethical engineering thereby embedding transparency, accountability, and inclusivity into design processes.

She advocates for visible leadership in which Engineers must participate in public discourse and shape policy discussions.

According to her, engineering should be based on Human-Centered Sustainability thereby prioritizing talent retention, inclusivity, and team resilience to match equally with approaching modern technology.

Nweke concluded that smart engineering is not about replacing humans with machines, but about equipping humans to design better systems, balancing speed with responsibility, and ensuring progress doesn’t outpace principle.