Engr. Valerie Agberagba elected as Deputy President of NSE; Pledges Unity and Innovation

By Isqil Najim

Engr. Valerie Ifueko Agberagba, has been elected as the Deputy President of the Nigerian Society of Engineers (NSE), making her only the second woman to achieve this distinguished position.

Her election, announced by the Engr. Kashim A. Ali, Chairman, 2025 Election Committee, following the Society’s recent Annual General Meeting, has prompted an outpouring of positive reactions and pledges of service from other newly elected officials.

She will join the incoming administration of the next President, Engr Ali Rabiu to pilot the affairs of the Society in the next two years after which she leads.

In her message of appreciation, Engr. Agberagba expressed profound gratitude for the “overwhelming support” that led to her success. She emphasized that her victory is a “collective achievement” and a mandate to prepare for the Society’s future leadership.

“This victory is not mine alone—it is a collective achievement made possible by your trust, your encouragement, and your belief in our shared vision for a stronger, more innovative, and more impactful NSE,” she said.

She reaffirmed her dedication to advancing professionalism, strengthening institutional structures, and elevating the influence of engineering in national development.

“In this election, there is neither winner nor loser; we remain partners in progress, and we shall continue to work together in unity and purpose.” She said.

Engr. Agberagba’s election comes on the heels of the groundbreaking tenure of the outgoing President, Engr. Margaret Aina Oguntala, who made history as the first female President of the Nigerian Society of Engineers in its 65-year existence. Her leadership is widely credited with dismantling gender barriers within the profession’s highest echelons.

Full List of Elected Officers for the 2025/2026 Term

The following elected National Executive Committee and Statutory Officers, during the recent Annual General Meeting, are set to join the incoming President in January.

Deputy President

• Engr. Valerie Ifueko AGBERAGBA, FNSE (Region: South South)

Vice President-elect

1. Engr. Halimat Sope C. ADEDIRAN, FNSE (Region: South West)
2. Engr. Aliyu Dutsinma IBRAHIM, FNSE (Region: North West)
3. Engr. Dr. Dauda Aluyah OKODUGHA, Ph.D, FNSE (Region: South South)
4. Engr. Benjamin Osita OKOH, FNSE (Region: South East)
5. Engr. Usman TIJJANI, FNSE (Region: North East)
6. Engr. Rachel Serunun UGYE, FNSE (Region: North Central)

Executive Committee elect

1. Engr. Usman Abdu ABUBAKAR, Ph.D (Region: North East)
2. Engr. Dr. Ojeghua EVUKOWHIRORO, Ph.D, FNSE (Region: South South)
3. Engr. Nze Matthew Chuks MADU, FNSE (Region: South East)
4. Engr. Dauda MUSA, FNSE, FNICE (Region: North Central)
5. Engr. Ayotunde Olukayode OGUNNOIKI, FNSE (Region: South West)
6. Engr. Dayyabu TIJJANI, FNSE, MNIM (Region: North West)

Statutory Audit Committee Candidates

1. Engr. Omolola Adenike ADETONA, FNSE, FNICE (
2. Engr. Ismail Akinbolaji ADEYEMI, MSc
3. Engr. Dr. Ezekiel Nnamere ANEKE, FNSE

Profile of the Deputy President-Elect, Engr. Valerie Ifueko Agberagba

Engr. Valerie Ifueko Agberagba, who hails from Ovia South West in Edo State, is a graduate of Metallurgical and Materials Engineering, with extensive expertise in Quality Control, Power Generation, and Renewable Energy. A registered engineer with COREN and NSE, she also holds affiliations with international bodies like the Society of Women Engineers (USA). She is a Fellow od NSE and many professional bodies.

Her extensive service to the profession includes holding the esteemed positions of Vice President of the World Federation of Engineering Organizations (WFEO), Chair of the Committee for Women in Engineering, and President of the Association of Professional Women Engineers of Nigeria (APWEN, 2006/2007).

She is a former three-time Vice President of the NSE and previously served as the Head of Institutional Continuity, Finance, and Administration unit on the Presidential Task Force on Power. She is currently the General Manager of the Renewable Energy Department at the Niger Delta Power Holding Company.

Incoming Leadership: Engr. Ali A. Rabiu, The Next NSE President elec

The new Executive Council, including the Deputy President-Elect and Vice President-Elect, will officially assume office to pilot the affairs of the NSE starting January 1st, under the leadership of the incoming President, Engr. Ali Alimasuya Rabiu, FNSE, (Cigarin Lafia).

Engr. Rabiu brings a wealth of institutional experience, having previously (currently till December 31st) served as the Deputy President of the NSE. He is also the immediate past President of the Council for the Regulation of Engineering in Nigeria (COREN) from 2019 to 2023. His tenure at COREN focused heavily on leveraging the amended COREN Act to enforce regulations, ensure ethical compliance, and strengthen professional standards across the industry, making him a fitting successor to lead the Society into its next phase of growth and regulation.