The Association of Professional Women Engineers of Nigeria, APWEN, Lagos Chapter, has urged government agencies, industry leaders, and corporate organizations to invest in female engineers to accelerate national development.
The call was made by the chairperson of APWEN Lagos, Dr. Atinuke Owolabi, in a statement issued on Tuesday in Lagos to commemorate the 2025 World Engineering Day (WED). Owolabi, a Fellow of the Nigerian Society of Engineers (NSE), emphasized the need for increased funding for training, mentorship, and industry placements for female engineers to enhance their career prospects.
“We also advocate for policies that enhance the employability and competitiveness of female engineering graduates,” she said.
She highlighted the importance of bridging the gender gap in engineering, aligning with Sustainable Development Goal 5 (Gender Equality), and fostering innovation as outlined in Sustainable Development Goal 9 (Industry, Innovation, and Infrastructure).
According to her, these efforts will unlock the full potential of engineering in driving sustainable development in Nigeria and beyond.
“At APWEN Lagos, we remain dedicated to empowering female engineers, promoting sustainable solutions, and ensuring that women engineers in Lagos actively shape the future. Together, let’s harness the power of engineering to build a more inclusive, resilient, and prosperous world,” she stated.
Dr. Owolabi, an award-winning engineer, politician, and educationist, outlined APWEN’s ongoing advocacy for women in engineering, STEM mentorship, and its efforts to lead innovations toward achieving the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).
She announced the upcoming launch of a five-week hands-on training programme on Electrical Wiring Installation and Solar Technology, aimed at equipping students and both young and experienced engineers with skills to contribute to Nigeria’s renewable energy sector.
She also emphasized that the 2025 WED theme: “Shaping Our Sustainable Future Through Engineering,” underscores the critical role engineers play in addressing global challenges.
“Our initiatives equip women with the skills and opportunities to transform industries and communities. By investing in female engineers, we are investing in a more inclusive, resilient, and prosperous future,” she said.
Reflecting on her administration’s impact over the past year, Dr. Owolabi highlighted significant advancements in STEM education, mentorship, and hands-on training, inspiring a new generation of female engineers. She revealed that over 1,000 girls in Lagos had benefited from APWEN’s STEM and mentorship programmes, gaining confidence and knowledge to pursue careers in engineering.
Among APWEN’s achievements, she noted advocacy for STEM education, cybersecurity and AI innovation, reverse mentorship, technical and sustainable engineering training, and various building projects.
She also announced the upcoming commissioning of an Innovation Lab and Resource Hub at the University of Lagos (UNILAG) Faculty of Engineering in April 2025. The centre will serve as a hub for research, hands-on learning, and collaboration in renewable energy, digital manufacturing, AI, smart infrastructure, and sustainable engineering solutions.
Furthermore, Dr. Owolabi outlined APWEN’s interventions in bridging the gap between academic learning and industry practice through initiatives targeted at the National Youth Service Corps (NYSC) Primary Place of Assignment (PPA) in Lagos State. She urged the government to establish a dedicated Engineering Community Development Service (CDS) group within the NYSC framework and announced an upcoming event for corps members in April.
“To foster creativity and excellence, APWEN Lagos has designated April as ‘Innovation Month.’ This will feature competitions, scholarship awards, and capacity-building programs for female engineers, encouraging groundbreaking ideas and rewarding engineering excellence,” she added.