The Nigerian Academy of Engineering on Friday inducted Alhaji Aliko Dangote, President/Chief Executive of Dangote Industries Limited, as an Honorary Fellow for advancung engineering and industrialisation in Nigeria and Africa.
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The academy said the honour was in recognition of Dangote’s commitment and contributions to large-scale engineering, infrastructure and manufacturing which had significantly impacted the nation’s economic development.
Speaking at the well-attended induction, the NAE President, Prof. Rahamon Bello, said the induction of Africa’s foremost industrialist as an Honorary Fellow reflected his immense contributions to Nigeria’s industrial and economic growth.
Bello said that the honour was the Academy’s highest recognition reserved for individuals with outstanding impact on engineering practice and development.
He described the Academy as an apex body committed to advancing excellence in science, engineering, technology and innovation for national development.
The NAE president said the academy, founded in 1997, serves as a think-tank providing policy advice to government and private organisations, especially on technological matters.
“It is a Think-tank founded in 1997, comprising eminent Nigerian and foreign engineering professionals who provide leadership on national engineering and technological matters.
“The Academy also offers a national platform for experts to pool their experience and insights, to proffer advice to the Federal Government of Nigeria and private organisations on policy-making, particularly on technology matters.
“NAE has limited membership and Fellows are peer-elected based on their outstanding contributions to research, and the practice of engineering in academia as well as in both public and private sectors.”
Bello added that the Academy runs programmes such as innovation competitions and fellowship grants to support young academics and promote engineering excellence.
Bello said: “In the 29-year history of the Nigerian Academy of Engineering, only five Honorary Fellows have been inducted. Today’s event will produce our sixth Honorary Fellow.
“Therefore, this recognition is not merely ceremonial; it is a worthy celebration of vision, resilience, and an unwavering commitment to advancing the frontiers of industrialisation.
“Through strategic foresight and bold investments anchored by the Dangote Group, Alhaji Aliko Dangote has championed large-scale industrialisation in Nigeria and across Africa.”
He highlighted Dangote’s investments in key sectors, including cement manufacturing, sugar refining, salt processing, vehicle assembly and petroleum refining.
According to him, the establishment of the Dangote Refinery stands as a landmark achievement, describing it as Africa’s largest oil refinery and a symbol of engineering excellence.
“The refinery is more than a feat of capital investment — it is a testament to engineering excellence, innovation, and the belief that Africans can design, build, and sustain world-class infrastructure.
“These contributions align closely with the very essence of engineering and reflect the principles that the Academy upholds: the application of science and engineering to solve real-world problems and to drive sustainable development.
“They have significantly reduced Nigeria’s dependence on imports, strengthened local capacity, and created thousands of jobs.”
Bello said the Academy’s council found Dangote eminently qualified for the honorary fellowship in line with its by-laws.
He added that Dangote’s achievements had continued to inspire a new generation of engineers and entrepreneurs across Africa.
“As we induct him as the Academy’s sixth Honorary Fellow today, we acknowledge his immense contributions and formally welcome him into our community of thought leaders and nation builders.
