When the history of Nigeria’s modern highway infrastructure is written, the name Engr. (Mrs.) Olukorede Kesha, FNSE, FNICE, FNIHTE will stand in bold relief. For 35 years, she served the nation with uncommon dedication—rising through the ranks of the Federal Ministry of Works & Housing to become the Federal Controller of Works, Lagos State, one of the most strategically significant engineering leadership positions in the country.

Her official retirement on 7 November 2025 marks the close of a remarkable chapter, and the University of Lagos Faculty of Engineering Alumni Association (UNILAGFEAA) proudly joins her family, colleagues, and the broader engineering community to celebrate an alumna who embodies excellence, fortitude, discipline, and nation-building.

FOUNDATIONS OF A REMARKABLE CAREER

Engr. Kesha’s professional journey began at the Federal Polytechnic, Ilaro, where she earned her Higher National Diploma in Civil Engineering. Her hunger for deeper knowledge soon led her to the University of Lagos, where she obtained a Master of Science in Civil & Environmental Engineering, specialising in Highway and Traffic Engineering.

In 1990, she joined the Federal Ministry of Works & Housing, beginning what would become a distinguished 35-year public service career defined by integrity, courage, and technical mastery.

Her rise through the ministry was not accidental. At every stage, she demonstrated profound engineering competence, project management excellence, and a leadership style that inspired both senior colleagues and younger engineers across the nation.

STEWARD OF NATIONAL INFRASTRUCTURE

As Federal Controller of Works, Lagos, she occupied one of the most demanding engineering portfolios in Nigeria. Lagos is not only the nation’s commercial nerve centre—it is the pressure point where infrastructure, population, industry, and mobility converge.

Under her stewardship, the state witnessed the supervision, rehabilitation or expansion of critical national assets, including:

• Rehabilitation & Expansion of the Lagos–Badagry Expressway (ongoing)
• Gbaji–Apa Owode Road, Badagry
• Lekki Deep Sea Port Access Road Reconstruction
• Apapa–Tincan–Oworonshoki Road Rehabilitation
• Apapa–Wharf Road Reconstruction
• Third Mainland Bridge—Expansion Joint Replacement & General Rehabilitation
• Lagos–Calabar Coastal Highway (Phase 1)

Her leadership ensured discipline, technical accuracy, quality assurance, and timely delivery in some of Nigeria’s most sensitive and logistically complex highway corridors.

These are not just roads—they are arteries of national commerce, vital to port operations, cross-border trade, mobility, and economic competitiveness. Her oversight of these projects has left Lagos—and Nigeria—tangibly better.

A NATIONAL ENGINEERING LEADER

Beyond the civil service, Engr. Kesha has been active in shaping the engineering profession nationally and globally. She is a:

• Fellow, Nigerian Society of Engineers (NSE)
• Fellow, Nigerian Institution of Civil Engineers (NICE)
• Fellow, Nigerian Institution of Highways & Transportation Engineers (FNIHTE)
• Member, Association of Professional Women Engineers of Nigeria (APWEN)
• Member, Society of Women Engineers (SWE), Worldwide

In recent years, she distinguished herself further by serving as Chairman of the NSE Lagos Branch, one of the most influential branches in the country.

Her steady commitment to knowledge-sharing led her to attend—and facilitate—numerous workshops in Road Management, Pavement Condition Analysis, and Health, Safety & Environment (HSE).

She stands as a role model for women in engineering, breaking barriers and inspiring the next generation of female engineers to pursue leadership in a traditionally male-dominated field.

A PASSIONATE ALUMNA AND FRIEND OF UNILAGFEAA

UNILAGFEAA celebrates Engr. Kesha not only as a national engineering asset, but also as a passionate alumna, friend, and supporter of the Faculty of Engineering.

She has been described repeatedly as:

• A philanthropist,
• A giver,
• A dependable supporter of the Alumni Association, and
• A distinguished ambassador of the UNILAG Engineering family.

Her generosity, humility, and interest in the advancement of the faculty have been both visible and deeply felt. At a time when the faculty continues to expand its infrastructure, upgrade laboratories, and position itself for stronger research performance—as highlighted in the 2025 UNILAGFEAA Retreat materials—her example of giving back stands out as a model to emulate.

Her presence at alumni programmes and her unwavering advocacy for the association’s mission have strengthened the bond between graduates and the faculty.

A LEGACY OF VALUES AND LEADERSHIP

In the spirit of visionary leadership described in Collins & Porras’ “Building Your Company’s Vision”—where enduring institutions preserve core values while driving progress—Engr. Kesha exemplifies:

• Discipline
• Dedication to excellence
• Courage under pressure
• Integrity in public service
• Commitment to the common good

Her life reflects the very ideals that UNILAGFEAA seeks to instill in its members and students—professionalism, service to society, and the relentless pursuit of engineering solutions that enhance human welfare.

CELEBRATING A TRAILBLAZER

As Engr. (Mrs.) Olukorede Kesha transitions into retirement, her impact remains indelible.

She retires:

• Having supervised some of the most transformative highway projects in modern Nigeria.
• Having mentored countless engineers across departments, regions, and generations.
• Having represented UNILAG and NSE with honour.
• Having left the civil service stronger than she met it.

The UNILAG Faculty of Engineering Alumni Association proudly celebrates her extraordinary career and expresses profound gratitude for her contributions to the profession and to the nation.

“Dear Engr. (Mrs.) Olukorede Kesha, FNSE:
Your retirement is richly deserved, but your legacy will continue to inspire engineers and nation-builders for decades to come. Thank you for your service, your leadership, your generosity, and your unwavering commitment to excellence. You have made UNILAG, Nigeria, and the engineering profession proud. Congratulations!”