By Abbas Nazil
Engr. Ali Alimasuya Rabiu has assumed office as the 35th President of the Nigerian Society of Engineers following an investiture ceremony held on Saturday, January 17, 2026, at the Presidential Villa in Abuja.
The event formally marked the change of leadership in Nigeria’s leading professional engineering body and the start of a new administration,drew top government officials, leaders of professional organisations, traditional rulers, former presidents of the Society, fellows and engineers from different parts of the country.
Rabiu’s swearing-in was greeted with applause from the audience.
In his first address as president, he described the occasion as an important turning point for the NSE and a moment to renew its purpose.
He said the ceremony was more than a formal tradition, stressing that it signalled a fresh resolve to rebuild the Society and restore its influence in national development. According to him, the new leadership is determined to refocus the NSE on high standards, professionalism and public trust.
The new president explained that he accepted the responsibility after strong pressure from members who were worried that the Society was drifting away from its core values. He added that the task ahead is to reconnect the NSE with its founding principles and make it relevant again to national needs.
The newly sworn-in president disclosed that his administration would operate within a 10-year strategic document recently approved by the Society. He further noted that the plan sets out clear goals, reforms and programmes to guide the NSE over the next decade.
Engr Rabiu listed five main areas that will shape his tenure. These he said include growing and supporting membership, building strong partnerships, expanding international engagement, increasing community impact and improving the Society’s image.
The new NSE Boss said these priorities are aimed at boosting skills, encouraging innovation, raising global visibility and strengthening the voice of Nigerian engineers.
He then pledged the support of the NSE for the Federal Government’s Renewed Hope Agenda, with emphasis on the Buy Nigeria First policy, describing the policy as a major opportunity to promote local expertise and drive industrial growth.
The NSE new helmsman however raised concerns that many government agencies still overlook Nigerian engineers when awarding large infrastructure projects, expressing frustration that contracts worth trillions of naira are being executed with little local professional involvement, despite existing laws.
He pointed out that such actions go against the COREN Act and Executive Order 5, which require Nigerian professionals to be engaged from the early stages of projects through completion.
He urged the government to enforce these rules, especially in ministries handling works, power, water resources and projects in the Federal Capital Territory.
According to him, full compliance would lead to better quality projects, lower costs and more jobs for engineers in the country. He also stressed the need for independent engineering consultants in public projects, saying this is standard practice worldwide.
Engr. Rabiu applauded the Federal Government’s plan to upgrade 38 technical colleges nationwide, describing it as a step in the right direction to revive technical and vocational skills. He said the NSE would contribute through mentoring, support for training programmes and youth-focused initiatives.
He further reaffirmed the Society’s commitment to continuous professional development, noting that ongoing learning is vital in an era of fast-changing technology.
In her remarks, the outgoing president, Engr. Margaret Aina Oguntala, said the investiture represented continuity and fresh hope for the Society. She said her tenure prioritised professionalism, capacity building, inclusion and engagement with key stakeholders.
The outgoing president added that the NSE is being handed over in a stronger and more united state, and expressed confidence in Engr. Rabiu’s ability to lead. She called on members across the country to support the new president.
