NASENI Boss, Khalil Halilu, Honoured as Distinguished NIMechE Fellow

In recognition of his visionary leadership and transformative contributions to Nigeria’s engineering and innovation ecosystem, 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 as a Distinguished Fellow of the Nigerian Institution of Mechanical Engineers (NIMechE).

The conferment ceremony, held at The Podium Event Centre in Ikeja, Lagos, brought together top professionals from Nigeria’s industrial, academic, and scientific communities. It was part of the 38th International Conference, Exhibition, and Annual General Meeting of the Institution, themed “Promoting Sustainable Blue Economy Through Technological Advancement: The Mechanical Engineering Perspectives.”

The prestigious honour celebrates individuals who have not only advanced the practice of mechanical engineering in Nigeria but have also contributed meaningfully to national growth through innovation and institutional development.

Mr. Halilu, represented by Engr. Rasheed Agavah, Acting Coordinating Director of NASENI’s Engineering Infrastructure Directorate, expressed appreciation to NIMechE for recognizing his efforts in repositioning NASENI as a driving force for Nigeria’s industrial and technological growth.

“I am deeply honoured by this recognition. It is not merely an award but a call to redouble our efforts in ensuring NASENI continues to deliver homegrown engineering and technological solutions that strengthen Nigeria’s industrial base,” Halilu said in his remarks delivered on his behalf.

He further stated that the recognition would serve as an inspiration for NASENI’s team to continue to champion innovations in renewable energy, agricultural mechanization, manufacturing, and electric mobility, in alignment with President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s Renewed Hope Agenda.

The Distinguished Fellowship, the highest honour bestowed by the Nigerian Institution of Mechanical Engineers, is reserved for professionals who have demonstrated exceptional excellence, integrity, and impact in advancing engineering practice, leadership, and national development.

According to NIMechE officials, the decision to confer Mr. Halilu with the title followed his unanimous election by the Council during its 88th meeting on July 15, 2025. The Council commended his transformational leadership at NASENI and his commitment to promoting indigenous engineering capacity, research, and innovation-driven solutions.

The Institution highlighted that under Halilu’s leadership, NASENI has rapidly evolved into a national powerhouse for technology transfer, local content promotion, and industrial research, spearheading partnerships with global and local firms to enhance Nigeria’s competitiveness in emerging technologies.

Among NASENI’s ongoing projects are initiatives in solar power manufacturing, smart agriculture, electric vehicle development, and technology incubation  all designed to empower local engineers and entrepreneurs while reducing Nigeria’s dependence on imported technologies.

Speaking on behalf of the NASENI team, Engr. Agavah thanked NIMechE for its recognition of Mr. Halilu and other engineers who are redefining Nigeria’s industrial narrative. “This honour is well deserved,” he said. “Under the leadership of Mr. Khalil Halilu, NASENI has not only redefined its mandate but also built strong bridges between research, innovation, and industry.”

Also conferred as a Fellow of the Institution was Engr. Bernard Ozigi, Director of the Technology Business Development Department at NASENI and Special Adviser on General Matters to the EVC/CEO.

The NIMechE Board of Fellows announced that the official presentation of the award plaque to Mr. Halilu will be held later at NASENI Headquarters in Abuja.

The ceremony ended with a call for greater collaboration between professional institutions and government agencies to promote engineering excellence, research-driven policy, and sustainable industrial development.

Through honours like this, NIMechE continues to spotlight the importance of engineering leadership in nation-building, while NASENI, under Khalil Halilu, reaffirms its commitment to building a technologically self-reliant Nigeria  one innovation at a time.