Engineer | Academic | Administrator | Legislator | Development Strategist
Legacy Profile
Chief Engr. Prof. Telimoye Matthew Oguara was a distinguished Nigerian engineer, erudite scholar, and statesman whose life journey reflected excellence, resilience, and national service.
A pioneer of engineering education in Rivers and Bayelsa States, a builder of institutions, and a contributor to national policy, he combined intellectual brilliance with practical leadership across academia, public service, and governance. His legacy stands firmly in the advancement of engineering, infrastructure, and human capital development in Nigeria.
Birth and Family Background
Chief Engr. Prof. Telimoye Matthew Oguara was born on April 29, 1946, in Tombi, Ogbolomabiri Nembe, in Nembe Local Government Area of present-day Bayelsa State, Nigeria.
He was born into the respected household of Late Pa Turner Matthew Oguara, of the Oguara Chieftaincy House in the Kalabo Group of Houses of Nembe Bassambiri, and Mrs. Emily Oguara (née Dienagha) of Bugo, Pegi, and Egbelu Houses, all of Nembe Bassambiri.
As the first of eight children, he grew up in an environment that nurtured discipline, leadership, and responsibility—qualities that defined his later life.
Early Education and Intellectual Foundation
Telimoye began his formal education in 1952 at St. Cyprian’s Primary School, Enyimuama, where he quickly distinguished himself as an outstanding pupil.
He later transferred to St. Luke’s Anglican School, Nembe (Ogbolomabiri), where his brilliance in arithmetic earned him scholarships and recognition.
In 1960, he gained admission into Yenagoa Grammar School, and subsequently attended Kalabari National College (KNC), Buguma—one of the most prestigious institutions in the region at the time.
He later moved to County High School (CHS), Ahoada, where his admission was facilitated through the combined efforts of:
- Mr. Singh
- Principal Mr. A. K. Bobmanuel
- Divisional Officer Mr. Fetepigi
At CHS, Telimoye demonstrated remarkable self-discipline and intellectual independence. With limited instructional support, he relied on his KNC notes to teach himself critical subjects including:
- Additional Mathematics
- Mathematics
- General Science
- Biology
He completed his secondary education in November 1964, and when the WAEC results were released in February 1965, he achieved a Division One result, alongside Benoni Briggs, marking one of the best academic performances in the school’s history.
In recognition of this feat, he received a formal congratulatory letter from the Principal, acknowledging his role in bringing honour to the institution.
Early Career: Aviation and Banking
Shortly before his WAEC results were released, Telimoye traveled to Lagos, where his academic excellence opened doors.
With the support of Mr. Frederick S. Abrakasa and Mr. Joseph N. Dambo, he secured employment with the Ministry of Aviation as an Air Traffic Control Assistant (ATCA) at Ikeja Airport.
In this role, he:
- Filed flight plans
- Recorded aircraft departures and arrivals
- Transmitted operational data to the Flight Information Centre
However, following the July 29, 1966 coup and the uncertainty leading to the Nigerian Civil War, the role became increasingly risky.
In 1967, he transitioned to the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) as a Clerk Grade B, posted to the Public Debts Office (PDO).
It was during his time at CBN that a colleague, Mr. Okpara, informed him of admission opportunities at Ahmadu Bello University (ABU), Zaria—a turning point in his life.
University Education – Ahmadu Bello University (1968–1972)
In September 1968, Telimoye gained admission into Ahmadu Bello University (ABU), Zaria, where he was initially enrolled in a Preliminary Science Programme and resided at Akenzua Hall.
He proceeded to study Electrical Engineering in the 1969/1970 academic session, but later made a decisive transition to Civil Engineering, where he found his true calling.
During his first year, he was awarded a Federal Government Scholarship, which covered:
- Tuition
- Accommodation
- Feeding
- Allowances
- Thesis support
He was also an active member of the Yelwa Social Club, contributing to campus social life.
He completed his degree with a Second Class Upper Division (B.Eng Civil Engineering) in June 1972, with his convocation held in November 1972.
Notably, he belonged to the last graduating set before the introduction of the National Youth Service Corps (NYSC) scheme.
Early Engineering Career
Following graduation in July 1972, he was employed as a Pupil Engineer at the Rivers State Ministry of Works and Transport, where he was deployed to the Water Division.
His early engineering contributions included supervising:
- Drainage systems at the Air Force Base
- Construction of Diobu Waterworks
- Construction of Bori Waterworks
Academic Career – College of Science and Technology (CST)
Barely two months into his role at the ministry, Telimoye was approached by Prof. Kenneth Diete-Koki and Dr. J. G. Chinwah, who encouraged him to join the newly established College of Science and Technology (CST).
After negotiating for accommodation and a vehicle—which were granted—he transitioned into academia.
On November 17, 1972, he resumed duty as an Assistant Lecturer, becoming the second academic staff member in the Civil Engineering Department after Dr. J. G. Chinwah.
He played a foundational role in the department by:
- Establishing Civil Engineering laboratories
- Installing equipment
- Developing laboratory manuals for:
- Soil Mechanics
- Fluid Mechanics
- Structural Engineering
- Concrete Testing
Many of these manuals remain in use today at Rivers State University (RSU).
Advanced Studies – United States (1976–1978)
After two years at CST, he proceeded to the University of Washington, Seattle, where he obtained:
- MSc in Construction Management
- PhD in Highway Engineering
He was awarded Federal Government Scholarships for both programmes and worked as a Teaching/Research Assistant throughout his studies.
Return to Nigeria and Rise in Academia
He returned to Nigeria in December 1978 and resumed at CST.
Key Academic Leadership Roles:
- Acting Head of Department (Civil Engineering):
- 1979
- 1980–1985
- 1987–1990
- Pioneer Head of Department when CST became Rivers State University of Science and Technology (RSUST) in 1980
- Head of Department (1995–1998)
- Acting Dean, Faculty of Engineering (1984/85)
- Promoted to Professor in October 1990
- Delivered his Inaugural Lecture in August 2001 titled:
“Pavement Maintenance Management Systems (PMMS): The Pragmatic Decision-Making Tools for Highway Engineers.” - Appointed Director, Centre for Continuing Education (April 2001)
He also served as:
- Senate Representative in the 2nd Council of RSUST (1983/84)
- Congregation Representative in Council (1985–1988)
Service at Niger Delta University (NDU)
In October 2005, he joined the Niger Delta University (NDU) as:
- Dean, Faculty of Engineering
- Director, Consultancy, Entrepreneurship, Research and Development (2010)
He officially retired on April 29, 2011, upon attaining the statutory retirement age of 65, but continued:
- As a contract lecturer (2011/2012 session)
- Later returned again to NDU in 2015
University of Port Harcourt (UNIPORT)
He also served as a contract academic staff at the University of Port Harcourt (UNIPORT) for three years.
However, due to concerns over infrastructure and staff welfare, he chose to return to NDU.
He also served UNIPORT as:
- External Examiner (1988–1993)
- Member, Governing Council (1992–1999)
Public Service and National Appointments
Chief Engr. Prof. Oguara played significant roles in national development through numerous appointments:
- Rivers State Government Tenders Board – Member (1980–1982)
- Oshogbo Steel Rolling Company – Director (1987–1989)
- Nigerian Building and Road Research Institute (NBRRI) – Member (1988–1994; 2014–2020)
- Nigerian Coal Corporation, Enugu – Executive Director (1990–1992)
- Federal House of Representatives – Member (1992–1993)
- Governing Council, UNIPORT – Member (1992–1999)
- Niger Delta Environmental Survey (NDES) – Steering Committee Member (1995–2001)
- OMPADEC – Executive Director, Central Zone (1998–2001)
- Paul University, Awka – Governing Council Member (2000–2013)
- Bayelsa State Government – Honourable Commissioner for Works and Infrastructure
- Niger Delta University Teaching Hospital Board – Member
Professional Affiliations
He was a member of several prestigious professional bodies:
- British Institute of Civil Engineers
- American Society of Civil Engineers (ASCE)
- Nigerian Society of Engineers (NSE)
- Nigerian Institute of Civil Engineers (NICE)
- Nigerian Institute of Highway Engineers (NIHE)
- Nigerian Academy of Engineering
- Association of Asphalt Pavement Technologists (AAPT)
- TAU BETA PI
Passing and Legacy
Chief Engr. Prof. Telimoye Matthew Oguara passed away on January 25, 2020.
Enduring Legacy
He is remembered as:
- A pioneer of engineering education
- A builder of institutions
- A mentor to generations of engineers
- A policy influencer and national leader
His life remains a testament to intellectual excellence, disciplined service, and transformative leadership.
