By Juliet Umeh
The Executive Vice Chairman and Chief Executive Officer of the National Agency for Science and Engineering Infrastructure (NASENI), Mr. Khalil Suleiman Halilu, has been conferred with the Distinguished Fellowship of the Nigerian Institution of Mechanical Engineers (NIMechE) — a recognition reserved for exemplary leaders advancing Nigeria’s engineering and innovation frontiers.
The conferment took place at The Podium Event Centre, Ikeja, Lagos, during the opening ceremony of the 38th International Conference, Exhibition, and Annual General Meeting of NIMechE. This year’s conference, themed “Promoting Sustainable Blue Economy Through Technological Advancement — The Mechanical Engineering Perspectives,” brought together top professionals and policymakers from Nigeria’s engineering, industrial, and technology ecosystems.
Mr. Halilu, represented at the event by Engr. Rasheed Agavah, Acting Coordinating Director, Engineering Infrastructure Directorate, NASENI, commended the Institution for the honour, describing it as both humbling and motivating. He noted that the recognition is a reminder of NASENI’s core mission — to build indigenous technological capacity that powers Nigeria’s industrial growth.
“This honour is a call to do more in advancing Nigeria’s science, engineering, and industrial landscape,” Halilu said. “Through NASENI, we will continue to deliver homegrown solutions that strengthen the nation’s industrial base and accelerate progress under the Renewed Hope Agenda.”
The Distinguished Fellowship, conferred on 68 accomplished professionals this year, represents the highest cadre of recognition within NIMechE. It acknowledges individuals who have demonstrated exceptional excellence, integrity, and impact in mechanical engineering and related fields.
Mr. Halilu’s nomination and election as Distinguished Fellow were ratified by the NIMechE Council during its 88th Council Meeting on July 15, 2025, in recognition of his transformational leadership at NASENI and his commitment to promoting indigenous engineering innovation.
Under his leadership, NASENI has emerged as a national driver of industrialization, renewable energy adoption, agricultural mechanization, and electric mobility — positioning Nigeria to compete in a technology-driven global economy.
Also honoured with the Fellowship of NIMechE was Engr. Bernard Ozigi, NASENI’s Director of Technology Business Development and Special Adviser, General Matters, to the EVC/CEO.
The NIMechE Board of Fellows will formally present the award plaque to Mr. Halilu at a later date at NASENI Headquarters in Abuja.
The recognition further reinforces NASENI’s growing role in driving Nigeria’s engineering innovation, sustainability, and industrial self-reliance.
