On Friday, September 19, 2025, the University of Lagos, in collaboration with Ukpaka Nigeria Limited, held the Inaugural Meeting of the Board of Trustees (BoT) of the Seke Somolu Professorial Chair in Electric Power Engineering (SSPCEPE).
In his opening remarks, the Chairman of the Board, speaking on behalf of the donor organization, Ukpaka Nigeria Limited, highlighted the significance of the endowment. He noted that the Chair was instituted in honour of Late Engr. Foluseke Abidemi Somolu (FNSE, FAEng, FNIM), a foremost Electric Power Engineer, distinguished alumnus, and celebrated Adjunct Professor in the Department of Electrical Engineering, University of Lagos.
The Chairman emphasized that the Professorial Chair is designed to advance human development through research, innovation, and collaboration in Electric Power Engineering, while also sustaining the professional convictions and legacies of Engr. Somolu. He further acknowledged the complementary role of the Foluseke Abidemi Somolu Foundation (FASF) in promoting these ideals.
According to him, the BoT, composed of members nominated by both the University and the donor organization, bears the responsibility of managing the Chair and steering its research direction. This includes fostering collaborations, attracting financial grants, and supporting impactful research outputs to address Nigeria’s electricity challenges and advance human comfort.
The Chairman concluded by welcoming members to the inaugural meeting and calling for a collective commitment to purpose, noting that the Trust Deed legally backing the Chair provides a clear framework for the BoT’s responsibilities.
The event marks a significant milestone in strengthening partnerships between academia and industry toward innovative solutions in the power sector.