04/04/2026
Endowment for Engineering Development is an Investment in Knowledge, Innovation and the Future – NSE President
The President of the Nigerian Society of Engineers (NSE), Engr. Ali Alimasuya Rabiu, FNSE, FAEng, MFR, has described endowment for Engineering development as a strategic investment in knowledge, innovation, and the future, as the ₦150 million MicCom Memorial Endowment Fund was inaugurated at Obafemi Awolowo University (OAU), Ile-Ife.
The NSE President, who was represented at the event by the Immediate Past President, Engr. Margaret Aina Oguntala, FNSE, made this known during the inauguration ceremony held at the Oduduwa Hall on Thursday, April 2, 2026. The endowment, instituted by the Ponnle Family, is in honour of two eminent engineers, Engr. Michael Ayantunde Ponnle, FNSE, OON, OFR, and Engr. (Mrs.) Comfort Olufunke Ponnle, FNSE, whose legacy continues to shape Nigeria’s engineering and industrial landscape.
In His Keynote Address, President Rabiu stated that the initiative represents a bold commitment to advancing Engineering education, innovation, and national development. He emphasized that endowment funds serve as strategic instruments for sustainable development, supporting research infrastructure, innovation-driven projects, capacity building, and the production of industry-ready graduates.
He further noted that Engineering remains the backbone of national development, driving progress across critical sectors such as infrastructure, energy, communication, and manufacturing. According to her, innovation—the lifeblood of engineering—requires deliberate investment and a conducive environment for ideas to thrive, describing the MicCom Memorial Endowment as timely and transformative in bridging the gap between academia and industry.
In his remarks, the Executive Governor of Osun State, His Excellency, Governor Ademola Adeleke, commended the Ponnle Family for their visionary initiative, describing the endowment as a significant contribution to human capital development and a catalyst for technological growth. He stressed that investments in education, research, and innovation are essential for building a resilient economy and urged individuals, corporate organisations, and alumni to emulate such efforts.
Obafemi Awolowo University was identified as a fitting beneficiary of the endowment, given its long-standing reputation in engineering education and technological research. The ₦150 million fund is expected to support applied research, innovation, and capacity building within the Faculty of Technology, aligning with global standards and preparing graduates for industry relevance.