23/05/2026
Engr. Sulaiman Bolakale Kawu Agaka, FNSE, FNIPROCE, FNIPowerE
Electrical Engineer | Procurement & Projects Specialist | Public Service Leader
Biography
Engr. Sulaiman Bolakale Kawu Agaka was born in 1969 into the royal family of late Alh. Ibrahim Folorunsho Kawu Agaka, the first Dan Iya of Ilorin Emirate and the 5th Daudu Olomoba Agaka, Ilorin. He is also the Dan Iya of Ilorin Emirate and holds the traditional title of Hasken Lafiagi of Lafiagi Emirate.
He began his education at Ansarul Islam Primary School, Oke Aluko, Ilorin, and proceeded to Government Secondary School, Ilorin, where he obtained his WASC in 1985. He earned a Higher National Diploma in Electrical Power Engineering from Kwara Polytechnic in 1994. Driven by a passion for continuous learning, he obtained a Postgraduate Diploma in Administration from Kwara Polytechnic in 1996, a PGD in Electrical Power Engineering from the Federal University of Technology, Akure in 1999, and an MBA from Ladoke Akintola University of Technology, Ogbomoso in 2013.
He completed his NYSC with the National Electric Power Authority, NEPA, Ilorin in 1996 and was retained as staff. He went on to serve in the Lagos and Port Harcourt zones of the Rural Electrification Department of the then Power Holding Company of Nigeria Plc. Between 2006 and 2015, he rose through the ranks at the Rural Electrification Agency, REA, serving as Senior Manager and later as Zonal Coordinator for the South West Zonal Office in Osogbo.
Career Highlights at the Rural Electrification Agency
Director of Projects
As Director of Projects, Engr. Kawu supervised the Energizing Education Programme, EEP Phase 1, a World Bank-funded initiative delivering 28.5MW of solar hybrid and gas-fired captive power to 9 Federal Universities and 1 Teaching Hospital across Nigeria’s 6 geopolitical zones. The project benefits over 127,000 students, 28,000 university staff, and 4,700 hospital staff, powers 2,850 streetlights, and reduces reliance on diesel generators. He ensured all regulatory permits, EPC/O&M contracts, and environmental safeguards were secured and implemented.
Director of Procurement
From 2022 to October 2023, he led the Procurement Directorate, overseeing all agency procurement activities in line with the Public Procurement Act. Under his leadership, the department processed 125 open competitive bids and 204 selective tenders for the 2023 budget cycle, including poverty reduction programs, while ensuring strict adherence to due diligence and transparency.
Director of Monitoring and Evaluation
From late 2023 to June 2024, he headed the M&E Department, where he tracked all REA projects, ensured compliance with technical standards, conducted baseline and impact assessments, and provided data-driven insights to management. He also monitored project sustainability and collaborated with the Budget Office, Ministry of Power, and other stakeholders.
In June 2024, he returned to the Projects Department to oversee the 2024 budget implementation and the analysis of the 2025 budget, continuing periodic M&E across all geopolitical zones until his retirement in July 2025.
Professional Development & Technical Expertise
Engr. Kawu has attended high-level training and conferences across Nigeria, China, South Korea, Germany, Bulgaria, Greece, the UK, Portugal, and Senegal. Key trainings include:
- Project & Programme Management, Strategic Management Institute for Africa, Swaziland
- Renewable Energy Development, KICTE, South Korea
- Inter Solar Conference, Munich, Germany
- Energizing 0.5MW Solar Hybrid, International Power Systems, Bulgaria
- African Energy Forum, Lisbon, Portugal
He has authored and presented numerous technical papers at local and international forums.
Professional Affiliations
- Fellow, Nigeria Society of Engineers, FNSE
- Fellow, Nigeria Institution of Procurement Engineers, FNIPROCE
- Fellow, Nigeria Institution of Power Engineers, FNIPowerE
- Fellow, Chartered Institute of Human Capital Development, Fhcd
- Fellow, Civil Society Network for Good Governance
- Member, Nigerian Institution of Electrical and Electronics Engineers, MNIEEE
Leadership & Character
Engr. Kawu is widely regarded as a visionary leader, mentor, and role model. His leadership is defined by integrity, transparency, and a people-centered approach to development. He is a dedicated family man, philanthropist, and peace ambassador nominated by the University of Ilorin for his selfless contributions to community development across religious and social divides.
Awards & Recognitions
He has received over 50 awards for excellence in public service, engineering, youth development, and humanitarian work, including:
- Best Director Award, Rural Electrification Agency – multiple years
- Icon of Community, Youth, and Societal Development, NANCES
- Ambassador of Humanity Services, Nigerian Youth Parliament
- International Peace Medal Award, UN-Volunteers
- Humanitarian Award, Agaka Oke Descendants Union
- Award of Excellence, Nigeria Union of Journalists, Kwara State Council
Legacy
Engr. Sulaiman Bolakale Kawu Agaka’s career reflects a lifelong commitment to advancing Nigeria’s power sector, empowering communities, and mentoring the next generation of engineers and public servants. His work continues to impact thousands of students, healthcare workers, and rural communities across Nigeria.