UNILORIN ALUMNI Spotlight is on Olawale Akande – Class of 2007!

Olawale Akande, R.Eng, CAP, PMP, TUV FSE, is a Registered Engineer and a distinguished leader in automation and control systems. He earned his Bachelor’s degree in Electrical Engineering from the University of Ilorin, Nigeria, in 2007 and currently serves as the Director of Engineering at DEM Controls Ltd.

He is the EMEA (Europe, Middle East & Africa) District Chair-Elect 2025 of the International Society of Automation (ISA), becoming the first African to be elected into this position.

Olawale has held several notable leadership roles, including President of the ISA Nigeria Section (2022–2024), where he led groundbreaking initiatives such as the first-ever ISA Section Conference in Africa (ISANAC 2024, Lagos) and the inauguration of the ISA Unilorin Student Chapter.

His leadership has significantly shaped the automation landscape in Nigeria, driving over 70% growth in membership and fostering collaboration through professional study groups across West Africa, including Cameroon, Ghana, and Kenya.

A TÜV Rheinland Certified Functional Safety Engineer, ISA Certified Automation Professional (CAP), and PMI-certified Project Management Professional (PMP), Olawale brings technical depth and industry-wide recognition.

He has successfully managed projects across oil and gas, power, utilities, FMCG, petrochemicals, and infrastructure, specialising in automation and control systems, electrical and instrumentation, safety systems, compressor controls, and ICSS panel development.

Beyond his professional achievements, he is a passionate mentor, actively supporting young professionals and promoting robotics education for children.

With his expertise in delivering end-to-end engineering solutions—spanning detailed design, system configuration, FAT/SAT, commissioning, and O&M support—Olawale continues to be a driving force for innovation, safety, and growth in the global automation industry.