The Muslim Engineers Association (TMEA) has officially ushered in a new era of faith-inspired professional leadership following the formal inauguration of its Pioneer National Executive Council at the LCCI Conference and Exhibition Centre in Alausa, Ikeja.

Operating under the theme “Engineering Excellence, Ethical Leadership and Service to Humanity Through Islamic Values,” the historic ceremony marked the culmination of an eight-year evolution.

The movement, which began as an informal WhatsApp group among Ikeja-based engineers in 2018, later expanded under an Interim Management Committee in 2024 to become a nationwide fellowship.

Taking the helm as TMEA’s Pioneer National President is Engr. Gbadegesin Muftah Osuolale, a veteran civil engineer with over 35 years of practice across public infrastructure, private development and professional service.

He is a graduate of the University of Ibadan (B.Sc.) and the University of Lagos (M.Sc.), Engr. Osuolale is the founder and Managing Director of Enphma Nigeria Limited. His public service record includes roles as former Supervisor for Works at Ikeja Local Government, former Board Member of the Osun State Water Corporation and former President of the Association of Muslim Professionals (AMP).

In his inaugural address, President Osuolale framed leadership as a sacred trust, centering his vision on moral integrity and professional excellence.

“Our faith and our profession were never meant to exist in separate rooms,” President Osuolale declared. “Engineering gives us the knowledge to solve problems; Islam gives us the moral compass to use that knowledge responsibly. When an engineer designs a bridge, approves a system or signs off on a project, entire communities place their trust in that judgment.”

Clarifying the association’s role within Nigeria’s regulatory framework, Osuolale emphasized that TMEA is neither a rival nor an affiliate of statutory bodies such as the Nigerian Society of Engineers (NSE) or the Council for the Registration of Engineering in Nigeria (COREN). Instead, he noted, it operates as a faith-based professional body, akin to the Muslim Lawyers’ Association of Nigeria (MULAN) alongside the Nigerian Bar Association, or equivalent associations in the UK and USA. He further reassured female members that talent within the association will never be marginalized, while urging young professionals to prioritize integrity over technical mastery alone.

Inaugurated alongside President Osuolale to steer the inaugural administration are: Deputy President, Tajudeen Kolade Ibrahim; Vice President, Kamorudeen Adebisi; General Secretary, Engr. Zaid Jagun; Treasurer, Al-Ameen Ahmadu; Financial Secretary, Adeniran-Bakare Silifat Mobisayo; Publicity Secretary, Ahmed Ayinla; Assistant Secretary, Ademuyiwa Tijani and Welfare Secretary,  Fatimoh Opeloyeru.

The keynote address was delivered on behalf of the Rector of Yaba College of Technology (YABATECH), Dr. Ibrahim Adedotun Abdul, by the institution’s Deputy Rector (Academics), Dr. Ismail Badmus, focused sharply on modern technological risks.

Warning that rapid integration of artificial intelligence, automation and data analytics creates new vectors of harm without ethical oversight, Dr. Abdul cited the public safety reliance placed on modern infrastructure.

 “A flawed line of code could affect millions of people, while a biased algorithm could discriminate against entire categories of citizens in employment, credit and security screening,” he warned.

Outlining core Islamic values such as Amanah (trust), Adl (justice), Ihsan (excellence), Khilafah (stewardship) and Maslahah (public interest), Dr. Abdul called for accountability beyond regulatory compliance.

“Engineers must have the courage to declare a project unsafe, even when doing so could cost them a contract or promotion,” he stated. “AI can assist engineers, but it cannot replace their ethical responsibility. A machine can neither hold a professional licence nor answer before regulatory authorities or Allah. Treat generative AI like a highly capable but occasionally inaccurate junior colleague use it to accelerate work, but never surrender professional judgement.”

The transition was formally executed by outgoing Chairman of the Interim Management Committee, Engr. M.B. Odetokun, who reflected on midwifing TMEA into a constitutionally guided body and urged the new leadership to prioritize transparency and unity. Planning Committee Chairman Engr. Kamoru Olalekan Adebisi also expressed gratitude to partners and delegates who brought the initiative to fruition.

Royal Father of the Day, His Royal Majesty Oba Prof. Saka Adeola Matemilola, Oluyalo Otileta VII, the Olowu of Owu Kingdom (accompanied by Olori Cecilia Naadensua Matemilola), urged the council to tackle Nigeria’s infrastructure deficits, combat corruption, and actively mentor the next generation.

The ceremony was attended by top state officials, traditional rulers, and academic dons, alongside spiritual guidance provided by Spiritual Father of the Day, His Eminence Alhaji (Engr.) Sulaiman Abu-Nolla, Chief Imam of Lagos.