Engineering icon, Engr. Abubakar Lawal Yar’Adua, has been celebrated for his pioneering contributions to Nigeria’s oil and gas sector and broader engineering landscape as he marked his 76th birthday. The recognition came during the inaugural public lecture held in his name by the FCT/Nasarawa Chapter of the Nigerian Society of Chemical Engineers (NSChE), themed: “Artificial Intelligence as a Catalyst for Innovation, Entrepreneurship, and Productivity in the Digital Age.”

Yar’Adua, a former Group Executive Director at the Nigerian National Petroleum Corporation (NNPC), was praised for his role in transforming Nigeria’s refining sector and nurturing a generation of engineers now leading multinational energy firms and key technical institutions globally.

Chairman of the occasion, Alhaji Ibrahim Abbo, described him as a rare figure who not only shaped infrastructure but also changed perceptions about local engineering capacity. “He laid a foundation for the next generation. He championed local content and rejected the blind importation of foreign expertise,” Abbo said.

Born in Katsina, Yar’Adua began his career in 1977 as a founding engineer at the Kaduna Refinery and rose through the ranks at NNPC, where he later served on its Board. Reflecting on his journey, Yar’Adua encouraged students to embrace discipline, curiosity, and integrity. “Respect your teachers. Ask questions. Persist. That’s how growth begins,” he said, urging young professionals to uphold national unity and resist tribalism.

He emphasized that Nigeria’s true wealth lies in its people, not just its resources. “What we lack is the right leadership. We must rise above tribal divisions to realise our industrial future,” he noted.

Delivering the keynote address, Engr. Makama Baba Abdullahi highlighted the dual-edge nature of artificial intelligence, warning that AI could increase unemployment if Nigeria’s workforce remains unskilled. “AI offers promise but requires intentional use to avoid deepening digital divides,” he cautioned.

Joining the event virtually, former NNPC GMD Engr. Andrew Yakubu described Yar’Adua as a visionary who built lasting institutions and empowered generations. “He created ladders for others to climb. His legacy is one of nation-building through engineering innovation,” Yakubu said.