In a grand ceremony held at the Michael and Cecilia Ibru University in Agbarha Otor, Ughelli North of Delta State, three distinguished Nigerians were awarded honorary Doctor of Science Honoris Causa degrees for their exceptional contributions to education, science, and technology. The event, which has been described as a celebration of engineering excellence, saw Prof. Bart Nnaji, Engineer Matthew Edevbie, and Engineer Johnny Esike each honored with this prestigious award, highlighting their significant socio-economic impact.
Engineer Matthew Edevbie’s recognition as a recipient of the honorary doctorate degree is a testament to his visionary leadership and distinguished career in engineering, spanning over three decades. His profound influence on Nigeria and Africa’s power sector underscores his unwavering commitment to innovation and progress.
Matthew Edevbie embarked on his educational journey at the University of Benin, where he earned a Bachelor of Engineering degree. His insatiable thirst for knowledge led him to participate in advanced executive development programs at esteemed institutions, including IESE Business School and Harvard Business School. He further enhanced his expertise through the Nigerian Infrastructure Program at Harvard University’s John F. Kennedy School of Government in 2005 and The Leadership Journey program at The Wharton School, University of Pennsylvania, in 2009.
In recognition of his outstanding contributions, Matthew was honored with the title of Fellow by the Nigerian Institute of Power Engineers in 2020 and received the Special Guest of Honour Award from The Nigerian Institute of Electrical and Electronic Engineers in 2019. His prestigious affiliations include membership in the Council for the Regulation of Engineering in Nigeria (COREN), where he has demonstrated his commitment to engineering standards. Additionally, he became a Fellow of the Nigerian Institute of Management (NIM) in 2015 and was honored as a Fellow by The Nigerian Society of Engineers (NSE) in 2017, solidifying his prominent role within the engineering community.
As the founder and CEO of Income Electrix, Matthew Edevbie has played a pivotal role in driving transformative change in the energy sector. His bold and forward-thinking leadership has positioned Income Electrix as Nigeria’s premier indigenous Engineering, Procurement, and Construction (EPC) company, marked by its prestigious ISO Integrated Management System certification, emphasizing their commitment to quality, environmental sustainability, and occupational safety.
Matthew’s visionary guidance has been instrumental in the realization of groundbreaking projects such as the Bonny 11kVA grid, NAOC-NLNG Gas supply project, Escravos 20MW Power generation Project for the NNPC, and the 50MW IPP for the OGFEZ, as well as the ongoing 36MW IPP for the Lagos Port Complex Apapa. His influence extends beyond national borders, as he has revolutionized energy infrastructure in Sierra Leone, Cote d’Ivoire, and Liberia, exemplified by the successful completion of the Emergency Power Generation Project in Sierra Leone.
Furthermore, Matthew’s dedication to socio-economic advancement is evident in his commitment to rural electrification through initiatives like the Niger Delta Regional Power Pool and Industrialization Project, reflecting his vision for reduced tariffs, industrial growth, and sustainable economic progress within the region.
As an industry luminary, Matthew Edevbie is affiliated with esteemed fellowships, including the Nigerian Society of Engineers, Nigerian Institute of Management, Nigerian Institute of Management Consultants, Nigeria Institute of Power Engineers, Council for the Regulation of Engineering in Nigeria, and the Nigerian Environmental Society. His influence extends to academia through his connection with the Enterprise Development Centre (EDC) of the Lagos Business School.
Matthew’s dedication to excellence and pioneering spirit is further exemplified by his leadership roles as Chairman of Kevtrics Nigeria Limited, Chairman of the Income Electrix/Fedco Joint Venture, Managing Director at EasyPay International Limited, and Managing Director of 4power Consortium. Additionally, his pivotal role as a Director and core investor within the Port Harcourt Electricity Distribution Company (PHED) underscores his commitment to advancing the energy industry’s frontiers and fostering its sustainable growth.
Matthew Edevbie’s legacy is marked by transformative leadership, innovation, and an unwavering commitment to a brighter, electrified future for Nigeria, Africa, and beyond. His impact goes beyond completed projects and is reflected in the partnerships he has cultivated and the countless lives he has touched through his dedication to progress. His distinction as a Fellow of the Nigerian Institute of Engineers underscores his exceptional leadership qualities, complemented by numerous industry and global awards that reflect his enduring impact and unwavering spirit.
