Margaret Oguntala became the first female president of the Nigerian Society of Engineers, NSE, an organization founded in 1958, on Thursday, December 21, 2023.
Oguntala assumes this innovative position, succeeding the late President Tasiu Gidari-Wudil, who made the announcement at an Abuja conference.
Oguntala, who has been the Deputy President for the last two years, will take office on January 1, 2024, in accordance with the guidelines that the NSE has established for a two-year term.
Margaret Oguntala is a three-decade career woman who attended the University of Benin (1981–1986) and graduated with a degree in Chemical Engineering. Identifying herself as a “knowledgeable engineer with a track record of excellent and exceptional leadership in multiple roles across numerous engineering bodies.”
Oguntala began her career as a Youth Corper at North Brewery Limited in Kano, where she worked as an assistant process supervisor and operator.
She then started as a Chemical Sales Executive at Afro International Enterprises Ltd. in Matori, Lagos, in 1988 and worked her way up to Marketing Manager. She took the risk of starting her own business, Bamsat Nigeria Limited, in 1992.
Under Oguntala’s direction, Bamsat Nigeria Limited, which was founded as a chemical sales company, has grown significantly and diversified into other industries, including environmental consulting, oil and gas services, and fire and safety.
Prominent organizations like NNPC, First Bank of Nigeria PLC, Guinness Nigeria PLC, and Alaro Free Trade Zone are among the company’s esteemed clientele.
The Nigerian Society of Professionals inducted her as a Corporate member as part of her professional journey. In 1996, she was inducted as a Corporate member of the Nigerian Society of Engineers, continuing her professional journey. She registered with the Council for the Regulation of Engineering in Nigeria in that same year, and in 2010 she was made a Fellow of the NSE.
With more than 60 honors from different engineering schools, associations, and professional bodies, Oguntala has set numerous records.
From 2010 to 2014, she additionally held the position of Council Member for the Lagos Chapter of the Association of Professional Bodies of Nigeria.
Oguntala, who is acknowledged for her contributions, is still actively involved in APWENx and makes a significant contribution to the growth over 19 years.
She held the position of Vice President , Corporate Resources and Media, at the NSE Headquarters from January 2014 until December 2016. She oversaw ground-breaking projects during this time, including a revolutionary collaboration with Samsung.
NSE members benefited materially from the partnership, which included free HVAC training for young engineers and a 10% discount on Samsung goods.
Her leadership of the NSE Ikeja Branch for two years, from 2009 to 2011, demonstrated her enthusiasm and commitment.
Managing a range of branch operations, Oguntala was instrumental in completing the Ikeja Branch Secretariat, which helped the branch win the prestigious Best Branch Award in 2010.
Oguntala’s contributions earned her fellowships from prestigious organizations such as the Nigerian Society of Engineers, FNSE, the Nigerian Society of Chemical Engineers, FNSChE , the Nigerian Institution of Environmental Engineers, FNIEE, and the Institute of Management Consultants, FIMC.
She is a member of the Nigerian Association of Professional Women Engineers, APWEN.
Aside from accolades and titles, Oguntala wears many hats, including Group Executive Director at Kenol Nigeria Limited and Board Member at BlackHouse Media.
She is also a champion for young engineers and an advocate for girls in STEM.
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