Margaret Oguntala, the first-ever female president of the Nigerian Society of Engineers (NSE) also manages Bamsat Nigeria limited as the chief executive officer (CEO) and founder and under her leadership, the company has experienced significant growth and diversification into areas such as environmental consultancy, oil and gas services, and fire/safety.
The company now boasts a client portfolio that includes prominent entities such as NNPC, First Bank of Nigeria PLC, Guinness Nig. PLC, and Alaro Free Trade Zone.
Overall, she has made great strides in the Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics (STEM), even as she is now advocating and supporting young girls in STEM.
Oguntala describes herself as an ‘erudite engineer with a proven track record of exemplary and outstanding leadership in several capacities across various engineering bodies in Nigeria.’ She has succeeded in executive and boardroom roles and is certified as an environmental consultant.
Before serving as the president of NSE, Oguntala, previously served as deputy president, NSE for the past two years. She commenced her tenure as the head of the Society, from the 1st of January 2024, adhering to the regulations set forth by the NSE for a two-year term.
As the 34th and first female president of the Nigerian Society of Engineers (NSE) in its 65-year history, Oguntala stated, “The journey to this office for me has been fueled by a quest to serve with a clear purpose, inspired by the unwavering support I have enjoyed from members of the association and powered by the strong conviction that service is a continuous journey, not a destination.
“We look forward to this year as one that bears testament to our shared commitment to engineering excellence, free from biases or encumbrances. Consequently, I dutifully beckon everyone to join hands with us as we commence the work of building formidable layers on the strong foundation already laid. It is a new dawn, and our time starts now.”
With her career spanning three decades, Oguntala, has managed to blaze her records with over 60 awards to her name from various engineering institutions, professional bodies and organisations.
She served as a council member for the Association of Professional Bodies of Nigeria (APBN), Lagos Chapter from 2010 to 2014. Recognised for her service, Oguntala continues to be an active member of APWENx, contributing meaningfully to the association’s growth over 19 years.
From January 2014 to December 2016, she wore the hat of vice president (Corporate Resources and Media) at the NSE Headquarters. During this time, she orchestrated groundbreaking initiatives, such as a transformative partnership with Samsung. The collaboration resulted in tangible benefits for NSE members, including a 10 per cent discount on Samsung products and free HVAC training for young engineers.
Her passion and dedication shone through her two-year chairmanship at the NSE Ikeja branch from 2009 to 2011. Overseeing various branch activities, Oguntala played a pivotal role in the completion of the Ikeja Branch Secretariat, earning the branch the esteemed Best Branch Award in 2010.
Not resting on her oars, Oguntala’s contributions earned her fellowships in prestigious institutions such as the Nigerian Society of Engineers (FNSE), Nigerian Society of Chemical Engineers (FNSChE), Nigerian Institution of Environmental Engineers (FNIEE), and the Institute of Management Consultants (FIMC).
She is a member of the Association of Professional Women Engineers in Nigeria (APWEN). Beyond accolades and titles, Oguntala wears multiple hats, serving as a group executive director at Kenol Nigeria Limited, a Board member at BlackHouse media, among other roles.
Education And Career
Oguntala is a graduate of Chemical Engineering from the University of Benin (1981-1986). Embarking on her professional journey as a Youth Corper at North Brewery Limited, Kano, Oguntala served as an operator and assistant process supervisor.
Subsequently, she joined Afro International Enterprises Ltd, Matori Lagos, in 1988 as a Chemical Sales executive, steadily ascending to the role of Marketing Manager. In 1992, she ventured to establish her own company, Bamsat Nigeria Limited.
Initially, a chemical sales outfit, Bamsat Nigeria Limited, under Oguntala’s leadership, has experienced significant growth and diversification into areas such as environmental consultancy, oil and gas services, and fire/safety. The company boasts a client portfolio that includes prominent entities such as NNPC, First Bank of Nigeria PLC, Guinness Nig. PLC, and Alaro Free Trade Zone.
Her professional journey also includes induction as a corporate member of the Nigerian Society of Engineers (NSE) in 1996. That same year, she registered with the Council for the Regulation of Engineering in Nigeria (COREN), culminating in her elevation to a Fellow of NSE in 2010.
Before serving as the president of NSE, Oguntala, has been a member since 1996 and a fellow since 2010. She has served in various capacities, including chairman of the Ikeja branch between 2010 and 2011, National exco member in 2012 and 2013, vice president in 2014, 2015, and 2016, and deputy president from 2021. She is an advocate for Girls in STEM and a champion for young engineers.
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