NASENI Gwadangaji celebration on Thursday, September 25, 2025, became both a farewell and a tribute to decades of dedication. The management and staff of the National Agency for Science and Engineering Infrastructure (NASENI) gathered to honor Professor Danshehu Bagudu Gwadangaji as he retired from service as Coordinating Director of Engineering Infrastructure. The event, filled with emotion and gratitude, highlighted the impact of a man whose career advanced engineering and national development.
The Executive Vice Chairman and Chief Executive Officer of NASENI, Mr. Khalil Suleiman Halilu, praised Prof. Danshehu’s exceptional service. Represented by the Agency’s Secretary, Dr. (Mrs.) Olayinka Adunni Komolafe, Halilu described the retiring director as a hardworking, trustworthy, and resilient engineer. According to him, Prof. Danshehu embodied integrity and commitment throughout his tenure, leaving behind a model of excellence for younger engineers.
The EVC congratulated him warmly on his new role as Vice Chancellor of Abdullahi Fodio University of Science and Technology, Aliero, in Kebbi State. He urged him to bring his wealth of experience to the institution and help shape it into a hub of innovation and learning. The transition, Halilu noted, is not just a personal achievement for Prof. Danshehu but also a gain for the nation’s education sector.
Speakers at the ceremony recalled his numerous achievements within NASENI. Among these, his leadership in the development of NASENI’s energy-efficient cookstoves stood out as a landmark contribution. The project, designed to provide affordable and environmentally friendly cooking solutions, demonstrated his ability to align engineering innovation with social needs. Halilu described this achievement as proof of Prof. Danshehu’s vision and technical brilliance.
Colleagues and staff members also shared personal stories about working with him. Many described him as approachable, inspiring, and generous with his knowledge. They emphasized how his mentoring shaped their professional growth, while his discipline inspired them to pursue higher standards in every assignment. In their words, working with Prof. Danshehu was not just an honor but also a masterclass in leadership and service.
The atmosphere at the send-forth event blended pride with nostalgia. While his departure from NASENI leaves a gap, the mood was uplifted by the knowledge that he continues to serve Nigeria in a new capacity. His appointment as Vice Chancellor gives him the platform to influence future generations of scientists, engineers, and innovators.
Furthermore, the celebration highlighted NASENI’s culture of valuing contributions and honoring legacies. By recognizing Prof. Danshehu’s achievements, the Agency reaffirmed its commitment to nurturing talent and respecting service. This gesture not only celebrated the man but also inspired current staff to emulate his dedication and integrity.
As the program ended, applause echoed across the hall, accompanied by heartfelt wishes for success in his new journey. For NASENI, the moment marked both an ending and a beginning: the conclusion of a remarkable chapter of service and the opening of another in academia.
NASENI Gwadangaji farewell therefore went beyond a retirement event. It became a reminder of the power of service, the value of integrity, and the impact of innovation. In honoring Prof. Danshehu, NASENI honored the ideals that continue to drive Nigeria’s pursuit of progress. His story stands as an inspiration for all who believe in engineering as a tool for nation-building.