DANGOTE HIGHLIGHTS AI THREAT TO TRADITIONAL ENGINEERING PRACTICE
Read Time:2 Minute, 42 Second
By: Tajudeen Aminat
The President and Chief Executive of Dangote Industries Limited, Aliko Dangote, has warned that the rise of artificial intelligence could disrupt conventional engineering systems and potentially replace designs traditionally carried out by human engineers.
He urged professionals in the field to take an active role in shaping the future direction of engineering practice.
Dangote made the remarks during his induction as an Honorary Fellow of The Nigerian Academy of Engineering in Lagos on Friday, where he projected the growing influence of AI.
“Today, we are witnessing the impact of artificial intelligence in virtually all spheres of life. It is gradually replacing human capability and hard-thinking characteristics of real human beings,” he said.
He further noted that AI could eventually take over engineering design processes currently handled by humans.
“It is possible that AI will soon phase out engineering designs usually undertaken by human engineers,” he added.
Dangote called for greater innovation and engagement from engineers to ensure the responsible integration of AI into the profession.
“I call on engineers to step in and lend their voice on the ramifications of AI to their profession on how it is being taught and practised,” he said.
He stressed that engineers must shape how artificial intelligence is applied in both education and real-world projects.
Reaffirming the importance of the profession, he described engineering as the backbone of national development.
“Engineering is more than a profession. It is a language of progress. Every bridge that connects a community, every heater that lights a home, and every drop of fuel that powers our economy began as a calculation by an engineer,” he said.
He added that industrialisation cannot be achieved without engineers, describing them as “the silent architects of national development.”
Dangote also highlighted the role of engineering in the growth of his business empire, noting that the Dangote Group’s success is rooted in technical expertise and innovation.
“I accept this honorary fellowship with deep appreciation, mindful that the Dangote Group has been built on engineering excellence and technological innovation,” he said, referencing the construction of the refinery.
He disclosed that engineers make up a significant portion of the company’s workforce across its refinery, fertiliser, and other subsidiaries, adding that it is Nigeria’s largest employer of engineering and technology graduates.
He also explained that the company established the Dangote Academy to bridge the gap between academic learning and industrial practice, with many engineers receiving advanced training abroad.
Speaking on global competitiveness, he urged Nigeria to expand its engineering talent base, citing China’s investment in the sector as an example.
The President of the Nigerian Academy of Engineering, Prof. Rahamon Bello, said Dangote’s induction recognised his contributions to industrialisation driven by engineering.
He described the Dangote Refinery as one of the most ambitious industrial projects in Africa, while noting that only individuals with significant impact on engineering and technology are selected as honorary fellows.
Lagos State Governor, Babajide Sanwo-Olu, represented by his Special Adviser on Works and Infrastructure, Engr. Adekunle Olayinka, also described the refinery as a landmark achievement in engineering excellence.
He said Dangote’s investments have created jobs and boosted industrial growth across Africa, adding that the state remains committed to supporting such initiatives.
Happy
0 %
Sad
0 %
Excited
0 %
Sleepy
0 %
Angry
0 %
Surprise
0 %
0
0