NiDCOM celebrates two Nigerians elevated to professor in Saudi Arabia

The Nigerians in Diaspora Commission (NiDCOM) has congratulated Dr Muhammad Abubakar Dalhat and Prof. Moruf Olalekan Yusuf on their elevation to the rank of Professor in Saudi Arabia.

The Chairman/CEO of NiDCOM, Hon. Abike Dabiri-Erewa, described the achievements as a proud moment for the Nigerian community abroad.

Dalhat was elevated to Professor at the College of Engineering, Transportation and Traffic Engineering, Imam Abdulrahman Bin Faisal University, while Yusuf, Chairman of the Nigerian Institution of Civil Engineers, Eastern Province Chapter, Saudi Arabia, was promoted to Professor of Civil Engineering by the University of Hafr Al Batin.

In a statement issued on Wednesday by Abdur-Rahman Balogun, Director, Media, Public Relations and Protocols Unit of NiDCOM, Dabiri-Erewa said the twin achievements reflected the calibre of Nigerian academics excelling on the global stage.

Dalhat holds a PhD in Civil Engineering from King Fahd University of Petroleum and Minerals and has built a research profile in pavement design, artificial intelligence-driven material optimisation and sustainable construction materials.

He also has several patents in asphalt material innovation and is credited with numerous high-impact journal publications, while continuing to contribute to academic quality assurance and accreditation at his institution.

Yusuf, on his part, holds a First Class degree in Civil Engineering from the University of Ibadan, a Master’s degree from King Fahd University of Petroleum and Minerals and a PhD in Concrete Technology from Universiti Sains Malaysia.

He is recognised for his work on sustainable construction materials, alkali-activated binders and geopolymer concrete, with more than 50 peer-reviewed publications and over 2,000 citations.

Yusuf is also the pioneer Chairman of the Nigerian Institution of Civil Engineers, Eastern Province Chapter, Saudi Arabia.

Dabiri-Erewa commended the two academics for their dedication to teaching, research, mentorship and professional service.

She said their milestones reinforced the immense value Nigerians in the diaspora continued to bring to their host countries while remaining a source of pride to Nigeria.

The NiDCOM chairman further said the commission remained committed to recognising and celebrating Nigerians excelling in their various fields abroad, noting that their success stories continued to project a positive image of the country internationally.

Dabiri-Erewa urged the academics to continue mentoring upcoming Nigerian youths, particularly those in academia in Saudi Arabia, so they could contribute to national development through their academic and professional pursuits.