Growing up in Ijebu Imusin, Ogun State, where he had his primary school education, Engr. Mujitaba Mukaila’s early life was defined by his dedication to his studies and the constant support of his father.
His father, a transporter by profession, saw education as the key to a better future. He championed Mukaila’s dream with uncommon support.
‘My father changed my uniform and bought new books for me at the beginning of each session in school. He did not allow me to inherit used books and would not allow me to wear the uniform of a previous year,’ said Mukaila
His father also made sure his mother invested in his education. He believed the input of his mother would make her monitor his progress in school.
This early foundation of affection from his parents, coupled with discipline and hard work, was to later pay off.
They shaped the man he turned out to be, a successful Engineer and the founder of Momtek Projects Limited (a Contracting Outfit) and Project Engineering Services (a Consulting Firm). His engineering firms strength are in mechanical/ HVAC, electrical and plumbing services.
Good News As Therapy
Mukaila’s journey to that height wasn’t just a personal achievement; it was a source of strength for his family. Each of his achievements was celebrated at home by his ever-loving father.
On two separate occasions, the good news about his accomplishments miraculously brought his father out of his sick bed.
The first was in 1975. Mukaila, then a student at Ijebu Ife Community Grammar School, Ogun State, had just topped his class. It was a new school and he was among the pioneer students. He turned out to be the first to take the first position.
Just around that time, the then-military government of Ogun State was offering scholarships to two top students (a male and a female) across each of the state secondary schools. So, he got the scholarship along with the best female student, Tinuade Odulana, now Mrs Tinuade Owawa.
It was around that time that his father had an accident with his commercial vehicle and was at home, recuperating from injuries and shock sustained in the accident. The mishap had threatened his ability to pay for his son’s education.
But the offer of the scholarship changed the narrative. When Mukaila delivered the news, his father, who had been in bed, getting medical attention, was in disbelief. He asked his son in the Ijebu dialect, “Se noin noin?” meaning, “Are you saying the scholarship takes immediate effect?”
Mukaila replied in the affirmative. It was a five-year scholarship that was to cover both his school fees, books and food in the hostel.
“His father, who had been weak and ill moments before, jumped out of bed and declared he was well, saying in the Ijebu dialect, “Olohun wo ma se o,” meaning “Oh God, I thank You.””
The same scenario unfolded in 1980 when he secured admission to study Mechanical Engineering at the University of Ibadan.
Once again, his father was sick, but the moment he heard the good news, he stood up from his bed, asking again, se noin, noin. Meaning, are you going to the university now?
For Mukaila’s family, good news truly was the best medicine.
Lessons
Mukaila’s academic journey is a veritable source of inspiration for anyone aspiring to succeed. While he initially topped his class, he admitted to a period of slacking off, which allowed a classmate, Idowu Alabi, to take the first position. Though he never dropped below fourth place, Mukaila was determined to reclaim his spot.
“I can’t forget Idowu Alabi,” he recalls. “He saw that I was becoming a jester in school, and he cautioned me.”
Mukaila also noticed that Alabi was always “burning the midnight oil,” studying with candlelight long after others had gone to sleep. He took Alabi’s caution to heart and rededicated himself to his studies. This renewed focus paid off.
By the time he sat for WAEC, he had turned out to be one of the students who had the best results.
After graduating from high school, Mukaila sat for the Universal Matriculation Examination. By the time he went to check his result, he was too overwhelmed and confused as he scanned through the list at the Joint Admission and Matriculation Office. He did not see his name, or so he thought.
He came back home dejected and was on the verge of accepting a job with A.J. Seward when his Auntie, Mrs Ajike Jokotade came with the news that a letter from JAMB had just been sent to the family’s mailbox. It was his admission letter. It turned out he had been admitted to study Mechanical Engineering at the University of Ibadan.
He had simply missed his name when he first checked. He later found out he was number 7 on the admission list.
Pronto, he packed his bags and headed for the university, where he graduated as the third-best student in his department with a Second Class Upper Division.
From the Job Market to Entrepreneurship
By the time Mukaila graduated in 1985, he was just 23, and the job market was wide open for him. He secured his first major job after his NYSC at Omot Fire Protection Engineering Limited as a Technical Sales Executive with a healthy monthly salary of #728 and a significant savings of about #600 each month.
That was around 1986. Then a Peugeot car was N5,500. While at Omot, he did not only earn a salary but also made extra income by securing jobs for the company.
It was sure a good way to start life. But he soon left the organisation, unwilling to tolerate the workplace politics.
He moved on to Sunflag Nigeria Limited, a textile mill, as a Deputy Mechanical Engr and later as a Plant Engineer
This taste of independence planted the seed of entrepreneurship in him. That was when it began to dawn on him that it was time to set up his firm. But he needed more experience.
He eventually moved to Celmeng & Associates. While at Celmeng he also doubled at their parent company named, Daten & Emcon Limited first as a Project Engineer and later as a Project Manager. By the end of 5 years he became the company’s Project Director. His activities here and partnership gave him the opportunity to build his professional profile.
By 1997, Mukaila knew he was done with the employment market and ready to launch his own company.
Rough but Rewarding
In just two years, he will be celebrating 30 years of running his Firms: Momtek Project Limited and Project Engineering Services The journey, he admits, has not been easy. “I have gotten it right and wrong in several instances. It’s been a mixed grill for me, but God has been good.”
One of the key principles that has guided him is his commitment to integrity and giving attention to details
As a young intern at Unicorn Associate, a Consulting Outfit in Lagos under the supervision of one Mr Joseph Babatope Abe, he learnt the importance of being meticulous. The project report he wrote then has continued to be a reference document for him and has helped to guide him when he started his firm.
He has also learnt to be honest and to stay away from shady deals. He has been willing to walk away from jobs where he was asked to do unwholesome things, valuing peace of mind over a quick profit.
He recalled instances where he burnt his fingers taking up jobs he was lacklustre about during the bid process.
A former National President of the Old Students Association of Ijebu-Ife Community Grammar School, Mukaila believes giving back to his Alma Mater is a must.
“Over the years I have had to join other old students to give back to the school because we are beneficiaries of the sacrifice of those who established the school. The least we can do is to ensure that the dream of the founding fathers does not die.
Married to Ramota Modupe Mujitaba, he reflects on his life’s journey: “Life has been good to me, but coming this far takes a lot of grace of God, sacrifice and dedication. Nothing good comes easy. The principles of piety. hard work, honesty and dedication to duty are key elements that can’t be compromised for anybody who wants to be a successful entrepreneur. “
“Let me.also say marrying my wife has been one of the best things that happened to me. She has given me peace of mind at the home front. It’s difficult to succeed without a good home.” He quipped.