Executive Director of NSBE Ghana, Mr. Imoro Abdulai, has recounted the struggles that led to the formation of the National Society of Black Engineers (NSBE) in the United States.
Speaking at the Engineering in Africa Conference, he said about 80 percent of Black engineering students admitted to Perdue University in 1971 dropped out because they were not getting the proper support and resources to pursue their programmes.
He said only one of the students who remained, together with the only Black faculty staff at Perdue University, came together to form NSBE, a movement aimed at encouraging Black students to pursue STEM careers, engineering and medicine.
According to Mr. Imoro Abdulai, the group was initially formed as the Black Society of Engineers in 1974 before it gained momentum and changed its name to the National Society of Black Engineers. He said Universities including Legon, KNUST and UCC later joined the organisation after facing similar challenges.
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Mr. Imoro Abdulai said NSBE has about 45,000 members worldwide and is present in countries including Nigeria, South Africa, Gambia, Kenya and Uganda. He said the organisation’s growth has been made possible through the hard work and sacrifices of its founders and those who have supported its work over the years.
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Mr Amoro Speaks about the Impact of NSBE over the years.
During his speech, he recognised and appreciated individuals who have contributed to the growth of NSBE, including Mr. Kweku Flembe, the former NSBE National Chairman for his role in expanding the organisation internationally. He also honoured Prof. Joseph Amoah for championing the NSBE branch at KNUST and supporting people including Mr. Gideon Avorgbedo and Mr. Jamal Hamidu appreciating their good work and contribution to NSBE.
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