The Chairman of Nigerians in Diaspora Commission (NiDCOM),Hon. Abike Dabiri-Erewa has congratulated Dr. Muhammad Abubakar Dalhat and Prof. Moruf Olalekan Yusuf on their promotion to the rank of Professor in Saudi Arabia.

A statement by Abdur-Rahman Balogun, Director of Media, Public Relations and Protocols at the commission said Dalhat was elevated to the status of Professor at the College of Engineering, Transportation and Traffic Engineering, Imam Abdulrahman Bin Faisal University, while Prof. 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.

The NiDCOM  Chairman described the twin achievements as a proud moment for the Nigerian community abroad, noting that they reflect the calibre of Nigerian academics excelling on the global stage.

The statement added that Dalhat holds a PhD in Civil Engineering from King Fahd University of Petroleum and Minerals, and has built a distinguished research profile in pavement design, artificial intelligence driven material optimisation and sustainable construction materials, with several patents to his name in asphalt material innovation.

He is also credited with numerous high impact journal publications and continues to play an active role in 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 from King Fahd University of Petroleum and Minerals, and a PhD in Concrete Technology from Universiti Sains Malaysia.

He is recognised internationally for his work on sustainable construction materials, alkali activated binders and geopolymer concrete, with over 50 peer reviewed publications and more than 2000 citations to his credit.

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

Dabiri-Erewa commended the duo for their dedication to teaching, research, mentorship and professional service, adding that such milestones reinforce the immense value Nigerians in the diaspora continue to bring to their host countries while remaining a source of pride to their homeland.

She stated that NiDCOM remains committed to recognising and celebrating the achievements of Nigerians excelling in their various fields abroad, as their success stories continue to project a positive image of the country on the international stage.

The Chairman urged them to continue to mentor other upcoming Nigeria youths especially in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia in the academia so as to contribute their own quota in their academic and professional pursuits to the national development.