Engineers, researchers, and technology experts gathered in Ilorin, Kwara State, on Tuesday for the Faculty of Engineering and Technology International Conference (FETICON 2026), where the University of Ilorin's Vice Chancellor issued a direct challenge to the engineering community to develop homegrown solutions to Nigeria's socioeconomic problems.

Prof. Wahab Egbewole (SAN), represented at the event by Prof. Muhtar Etudaye, described engineering as the backbone of national transformation and warned that no nation achieves meaningful development without a strong engineering sector.

"I do not know of any society, either historically or currently, that became developed without a very robust and strong engineering sector," he stated.

Egbewole pointed to drone technology as an example of how engineering has evolved beyond its traditional boundaries, noting its growing role in security surveillance and life saving operations.

"We have suddenly realised that the place of drones has moved from entertainment and recording ceremonies to actually saving lives through security surveillance and other critical operations. Engineering stands at the core of this," he said.

The Vice Chancellor acknowledged that Nigeria continues to grapple with both longstanding and emerging challenges, stressing the need for adaptive rather than conventional solutions.

"Our country faces challenges, some of which we have dealt with for decades, while others are emerging challenges. We need not only traditional engineering solutions but also new adaptive solutions to address them," he added.

He expressed confidence that the conference would produce practical recommendations capable of strengthening Nigeria's global competitiveness and advancing African nations on the world stage.

The conference, themed "Innovating for a Sustainable and Resilient Future: Technology as a Catalyst for Economic Development," drew academics, researchers, industry experts, and students from within and outside Nigeria.

Prof. Temitope Elizabeth Odetoye, Chairperson of the FETICON 2026 Central Planning Committee, disclosed that the conference received 300 accepted research papers, reflecting the expanding interest in technology-driven national development.