Osun State Governor, Ademola Adeleke, has urged Nigerian students and young engineers to embrace innovation, discipline and national service.
Adeleke made the call on Thursday at the presentation and inauguration of the MicCom Memorial Endowment for Engineering Development at Obafemi Awolowo University, Ile-Ife, established by the Ponnle family in honour of Late Engr. Michael Ayantunde Ponnle and Late Engr. (Mrs.) Comfort Olufunke Ponnle.
Speaking at the event, the governor said the initiative goes beyond a ceremonial gesture, noting that it represents a deliberate effort to build capacity, strengthen innovation and secure Nigeria’s future through engineering education and research.
“We are remembering two exceptional lives and at the same time celebrating a legacy that continues to shape the future.
Some lives are so impactful that even in their passing, they continue to build, to teach and to inspire,” Adeleke said.
He described the late engineers as pioneers who believed strongly in Nigeria’s capacity to build, innovate and compete globally, adding that their contributions to indigenous manufacturing helped redefine possibilities for Nigerian engineers at a time when local industrial capacity was still developing.
“At a time when indigenous manufacturing was still in its infancy, they took bold steps into new territory. They did not accept dependence as destiny. Instead, they chose to create possibilities,” he said.
“It is therefore fitting that their memory is being immortalised through this N150 million Endowment at Obafemi Awolowo University. This endowment is not merely symbolic but strategic as it speaks to critical imperatives for our national development,” he added.
Adeleke commended the Ponnle family for what he described as a visionary investment in education and future generations, noting that such initiatives ensure that legacies are sustained through people, ideas and innovation.
“To the students and future beneficiaries of this endowment, you are not just receiving support but inheriting a legacy of discipline, innovation and service. You must therefore carry it with a sense of purpose and responsibility,” the governor said.
Earlier, speaking on behalf of the family, Bukola Adubi said the MicCom Memorial Endowment was established not only to immortalise the legacy of the late engineers but also to create a sustainable platform for the development of future generations.
According to her, “this endowment is a deliberate effort to ensure that the lives and values of Late Engr. Michael Ayantunde Ponnle and Engr. (Mrs.) Comfort Olufunke Ponnle continue to inspire future engineers and innovators.”
She described the late Ponnles as pioneers in Nigeria’s industrial and engineering landscape and founders of the country’s first indigenous cable manufacturing enterprise.
“They were driven by a deep belief in Nigeria’s intellectual capacity and industrial potential at a time when local manufacturing was still evolving,” she said.
Adubi added that beyond building a successful enterprise, the late engineers were committed to mentoring young professionals and strengthening Nigeria’s technological ecosystem.
“Beyond their industrial achievements, they invested in people. They mentored young engineers, promoted indigenous capacity and supported initiatives that strengthened Nigeria’s engineering space,” she noted.
She further emphasised that engineering, for the late Ponnles, went beyond a profession.
“For them, engineering was not just a career but a responsibility to contribute meaningfully to society and to future generations. This endowment is therefore a continuation of that vision,” she said.
Highlighting the objectives of the initiative, Adubi said, “the endowment is designed to encourage academic excellence, promote research and innovation, bridge the gap between academia and industry, and inspire leadership and professional responsibility among future engineers.”
She added that the long-term goal is sustainability and continuous impact.
“Our expectation is that this will become a sustainable platform that supports the growth of engineering talent and innovation in Nigeria, ensuring that their legacy continues to influence lives, ideas and technological advancement for generations,” she said.
In his remarks, the Vice Chancellor of Obafemi Awolowo University, Simeon Bamire, described the endowment as a visionary investment in engineering education and innovation.
“This fund represents a strategic investment in what drives sustainable development—engineering education and innovation,” he said.
Bamire noted that the endowment would significantly enhance the university’s capacity.
“It will empower us to foster academic excellence through cutting-edge research, provide vital scholarships to deserving students, upgrade facilities and nurture the next generation of engineers equipped to tackle Nigeria’s and Africa’s most pressing challenges,” he said.
He also highlighted the consistency of the MicCom family’s support to the institution.
“This initiative reinforces the MicCom family’s longstanding commitment to our Faculty of Technology. We remain deeply appreciative of their earlier generosity, including awards for outstanding graduating students and support for departments,” he added.
According to him, the new endowment builds on previous interventions and expands impact.
“Those earlier endowments have already begun to inspire excellence. This new fund significantly expands support for academic merit, departmental strength and broader engineering development within the university,” Bamire said.
He added that the initiative would further strengthen the institution’s global standing.
“It will position Obafemi Awolowo University as a stronger centre of excellence in engineering education, research and innovation, while also deepening collaboration between academia and industry,” he said.
Also speaking, the Orangun of Oke-Ila, Oba Adedokun Abolarin, charged beneficiaries and young Nigerians to sustain the legacy of impact established by the late engineers.
“This endowment is not just about financial support; it is about sustaining a legacy of impact and excellence. Beneficiaries must keep the momentum running by upholding the values of hard work, innovation, discipline and service to society,” the monarch said.
He stressed that honouring the late Ponnles goes beyond remembrance.
“The best way to immortalise them is not just to celebrate them but to continue their work through innovation, creativity and a strong commitment to national development,” he added.
“The true way to honour them is to sustain their vision through ideas, innovations and contributions that will move Nigeria forward,” he said.
