The Obafemi Awolowo University (OAU), Ile-Ife, has launched a ₦150 million MicCom Memorial Endowment Fund for Engineering Development in honour of late engineering icons, Michael Ayantunde Ponnle and Comfort Olufunke Ponnle.
The event was held on Thursday at Oduduwa Hall on the OAU campus, Ile-Ife.
In his address, Osun State Governor, Ademola Adeleke, described the occasion as both a moment of remembrance and a celebration of a legacy that continues to shape the future of engineering in Nigeria.
The governor said the event was held to honour the lives of two distinguished individuals whose legacy continues to inspire innovation, teaching and development even after their passing.
He highlighted the pioneering roles played by the late couple in advancing indigenous manufacturing through MicCom Cables and Wires at a time when Nigeria relied heavily on imported engineering technologies, noting that their efforts demonstrated the global competitiveness of Nigerian engineers.
Adeleke also noted that the Ponnles built a strong partnership driven by shared vision, with Engr. Michael Ponnle providing enterprise leadership, while Engr. (Mrs.) Comfort Ponnle contributed technical discipline and operational excellence.
He added that the couple contributed significantly to human capital development by mentoring and training several engineers who have impacted Nigeria’s technological ecosystem.
The governor explained that the endowment fund is aimed at promoting academic excellence, strengthening research and innovation, bridging the gap between academia and industry, and instilling leadership and ethical values among engineering students.
He described the fund as a strategic initiative designed to support a future driven by knowledge, innovation and integrity, while commending the Ponnle family for their commitment to education and national development.
Adeleke also urged beneficiaries of the fund to uphold the values of discipline, innovation and service exemplified by the late engineers.
Earlier in his remarks, the OAU Vice-Chancellor, Prof. Simeon Bamire, described the endowment as a significant investment in advancing engineering education and innovation.
He said the fund would support cutting-edge research, provide scholarships for deserving students, upgrade facilities and equip future engineers to address key challenges in technology, infrastructure and energy across Nigeria and Africa.
Prof. Bamire commended the MicCom family for what he described as a demonstration of patriotism and confidence in the potential of young people and the institution.
Dignitaries at the event included the Osun State Deputy Governor, Adewusi; members of the State Executive Council; traditional rulers such as the Orangun of Oke-Ila, the Alada of Ada, and representatives of the Ooni of Ife, Adeyeye Enitan Ogunwusi, among others.
