Engr Mojeed Akintola-Akinbiyi, General Manager of the Transmission Company of Nigeria (TCN), Lagos Branch, says leveraging Artificial Intelligence(AI) will enhance the company’s operational efficiency.
Akintola-Akinbiyi said this at the 2nd graduate induction for the 2023/2024 set of the School of Engineering and Engineering Technology (SEET), Olusegun Agagu University of Science and Technology (OAUSTECH), Okitipupa.
The induction featured a lecture entitled: “Nigeria’s Incessant Power System Collapse – Artificial Intelligence as a Tool for Evaluation and Early Detection of Contributive Power Voltage Collapse.
The ceremony was organised in collaboration with the Nigerian Society of Engineers (NSE), Akure Branch.
Speaking at the event on Friday, Akintola-Akinbiyi underscored the overall advantages of the adoption of AI in the transmission company.
Akintola-Akinbiyi said the adoption of the use of AI could improve monitoring, fault detection, and assessment while preventing the frequent collapse of Nigeria’s national grid.
Akintola-Akinbiyi emphasised the importance of AI integration into the national grid to enhance performance and mitigate recurrent grid failures.
While acknowledging the substantial initial investment required, he highlighted the long-term cost-effectiveness and efficiency benefits.
According to him, grid collapse can result from several factors, including, abrupt fluctuations in grid frequency and voltage, and human errors.
He added that sabotage of critical power infrastructure, outdated equipment, and and insufficient power generation due to inadequate gas supply, could also bring about grip collapse.
“In today’s global landscape, AI plays a pivotal role, prompting organisations and entire nations to formulate policies and strategies for seamless AI integration. Nigeria must not lag behind,” he said.
He also underscored the need for effective collaboration between engineers and AI experts to improve power reliability across the country.
Earlier in his address, Prof. Temi Ologunorisa, Vice-Chancellor of OAUSTECH, congratulated the inductees on their achievements.
He urged them to uphold engineering ethics and prioritise professionalism over material gains for the benefit of both their careers and national development.
Similarly, Engr Oluwaseun Adeyeye, Chairman of NSE, Akure Branch, encouraged the graduates to continuously seek knowledge, uphold engineering standards, and embrace innovation to tackle real-world challenges.
Prof. Titus Ajewole, Dean of SEET, advised the inductees to explore emerging technologies and leverage their potential to shape a better future for the engineering field.
“Nigeria must reclaim its esteemed position among nations.
“I implore each of you to add value to the engineering profession and inspire future generations. We eagerly anticipate your achievements,” Ajewole said.
The event concluded with awards presented to top graduates for the 2023/2024 academic session in various engineering disciplines.
Mr Stephen Emeomi-Magi, Civil Engineering, Mr Stephen Ekeh-Chikwudalo and Mechanical Engineering, Mr Lasisi Ridwan-Akolade.
