Margaret Oguntala was elected as the first female president of the Nigerian Society of Engineers, an institution founded in 1958, on Thursday, December 21, 2023.
The former President, Tasiu Gidari-Wudil announced his successor, Oguntala, at a conference in Abuja.
Oguntala, who has served as Deputy President for the past two years, will take over as President of the Society on January 1, 2024, following the NSE’s standards for a two-year term.
Here are 10 things to know about Margaret Oguntala:
1. She is a graduate of Chemical Engineering at the University of Benin (1981-1986).
2. Oguntala, describes herself as a “erudite Engineer with a proven track record of exemplary and outstanding leadership in several capacities across various engineering bodies in Nigeria. She is certified as an environmental consultant and has demonstrated success in executive and boardroom roles.
3. Oguntala has managed to blaze her records with over 60 awards to her name from various Engineering institutions, professional bodies and organizations.
4. Oguntala began her professional career as a Youth Corper at North Brewery Limited in Kano, where she worked as an Operator and Assistant Process Supervisor.
5. Oguntala joined Afro International Enterprises Ltd, Matori Lagos, in 1988 as a Chemical Sales Executive, after her youth service, eventually rising to the position of Marketing Manager.
6. She founded her own company, Bamsat Nigeria Limited, in 1992 which began as a chemical sales outfit, has experienced significant growth and diversification into areas such as Environmental Consultancy, Oil and Gas services, and Fire/Safety.
7. Her professional journey also includes induction as a Corporate member of the Nigerian Society of Engineers in 1996. That same year, she registered with the Council for the Regulation of Engineering in Nigeria, culminating in her elevation to a Fellow of NSE in 2010.
8. She also served as a Council Member for the Association of Professional Bodies of Nigeria (APBN) Lagos Chapter from 2010 to 2014. Recognized for her service, Oguntala continues to be an active member of APWEN, contributing meaningfully to the association’s growth over 19 years.
9. Oguntala played a pivotal role in the completion of the Ikeja Branch Secretariat, earning the branch the esteemed Best Branch Award in 2010.
10. Beyond accolades and titles, Oguntala wears multiple hats, serving as a Group Executive Director at Kenol Nigeria Limited, a Board Member at BlackHouse Media, among other roles. She is also an advocate for Girls in STEM and a champion for young engineers.
