By Isqil Najim
The Senate of Akwa Ibom State University (AKSU) has officially elevated Engr. Dr. Abdulrasheed Babalola, FNSE, to the rank of Professor of Chemical Engineering, marking a major career milestone for one of Nigeria’s foremost engineering authorities.
The appointment, confirmed earlier today, recognizes Professor Babalola’s extensive contributions to chemical engineering research, industrial practice, and his leadership within the Nigerian Society of Engineers (NSE).
Professor Babalola served as Chairman of the NSE Kaduna Branch between 2016 and 2018 and as a National Executive member of the NSE between 2018 and 2023. He currently serves as the Pioneer Director of the Centre for Facilities Engineering and Management at Akwa Ibom State University, a position he has held since 2025.
Professor Babalola holds a Doctorate in Chemical Engineering from Covenant University, Ota, and a Master of Engineering from the Federal University of Technology, Minna. A COREN-registered engineer, he is a Fellow of the Nigerian Society of Engineers, the Nigerian Society of Chemical Engineers, the Nigerian Institution of Safety Engineers, and the Nigerian Institution of Facility Engineers and Management. He is also a Member of the American Institute of Chemical Engineers (AIChE) and the Nigerian Institution of Management (NIM).
His research spans reaction engineering kinetics, catalysis, nanotechnology, renewable energy, petroleum technology, electrochemical technology, thermochemical processes, environmental pollution control, and the design and fabrication of water treatment plants — areas of critical importance to Nigeria’s industrial and energy future.
He has authored over 60 articles in high-impact Scopus-indexed journals and presented more than 20 technical papers at national and international conferences. Beyond publications, Professor Babalola has delivered over 50 webinars to branches and divisions of the Nigerian Society of Engineers and other professional bodies, aimed at enhancing human capital development. His most recent webinar, delivered to the NSE Ibadan Branch on May 18, 2026, was titled: CNG: Nigeria’s Smart Escape from Petrol Price Pain.
As an administrator, Professor Babalola has served as Pioneer Head of the Chemical Engineering Department at the Federal University of Technology, Ikot Abasi, during his sabbatical, and as Head of the Chemical/Petrochemical Engineering Department at Akwa Ibom State University. He has supervised and graduated numerous PhD, M.Eng, and PGD candidates, as well as over 100 undergraduate research students. He currently supervises two additional PhD theses, three M.Eng dissertations, and three PGD projects.
Prior to his academic career, Professor Babalola worked with the NNPC/PPMC in Kaduna from 1997 to 2004 as an Oil Movement Officer. He later served as Managing Director of Technik Specialist Consulting Company Limited and Chairman of RABAB Nigeria Enterprises Limited, where he produced industrial and domestic paints and chemicals.
Within the NSE, he has served on boards, committees, and as an elected national officer. He has chaired the Professional Development Board and currently sits on the NSE Fellowship Board as Chairman of the College of Fellows, as well as on the Environment and Climate Change, Branding and Publicity, and Editorial Board committees. He also serves on the Solid Minerals and Professional Affairs Committees of the Nigerian Society of Chemical Engineers and coordinates Young, Graduate, and Student Engineers for Facilities Engineering across the South-South and South-East regions.
Professor Babalola has received over 50 meritorious awards throughout his career. His most recent is the Distinguished Merit Award of Honour from the Patriotic Club of Obaagun (PATCO), a non-governmental organisation, in December 2025.
A passionate mentor, he has trained over 1,000 young engineers in the formulation and production of paints and cosmetics through his private laboratory. He holds firmly to the belief that no student should graduate under his watch without at least one practical skill to fall back on.
Reacting to his promotion, Professor Babalola said: “This milestone represents the culmination of years of dedicated research, teaching, mentorship, and service to the advancement of Chemical Engineering. I am particularly grateful to my mentors, research collaborators, and students — past and present.
“As I step into this new rank, I remain more committed than ever to high-impact research, innovative teaching, industry collaboration, and the development of the next generation of chemical engineers who will drive sustainable development and technological sovereignty.”
Professor Abdulrasheed Babalola is happily married to Mrs. Mojisola Tinuola Babalola, and the marriage is blessed with children.
Engr Abdulrasheed Babalola gives stewardship as he rounds off tenure as Kaduna NSE Chairman