The National Institute of Professional Engineers and Scientists (NIPES) has announced. Ibukun S. Afolabi as the recipient of the esteemed Excellence Award in Materials Science, Additive Manufacturing, and Advanced Industrial Processes, a distinction reserved for professionals whose groundbreaking work has significantly advanced industrial performance and scientific progress. The award, conferred once annually in each category, is among the most competitive awards in the country.
Afolabi’s selection in the Materials Science, Additive Manufacturing, and Advanced Industrial Processes category stems from his outstanding and original contributions to materials science, particularly through research focused on engineering composite materials using locally sourced inputs. His innovative methodologies address a critical national goal: enhancing Nigeria’s production capabilities and reducing reliance on imported materials. His work aligns strongly with NIPES’s mission to promote self-sufficiency through science-driven industrial solutions.
In addition to his research impact, Mr. Afolabi has demonstrated unparalleled expertise in optimizing industrial processes and improving manufacturing operations, earning him wide respect as a leader in advanced manufacturing. His data-driven strategies and manufacturing process improvement initiatives have made measurable contributions to the efficiency and competitiveness of high-tech production environments.
Speaking at the award ceremony on April 11, 2025, the president of NIPES remarked that the 2025 awardees were chosen from a highly competitive pool of over 1,203 nominations, representing some of the most impactful minds in research, sustainable development, and engineering leadership. He noted that each recipient exemplifies excellence in both academia and industry and is truly deserving of this prestigious honor.
Afolabi’s recognition reaffirms his standing as a visionary in his field and underscores the kind of transformative work that NIPES seeks to celebrate through its annual global awards.
