As part of efforts to advance gender inclusion and technological innovation, the Association of Professional Women Engineers of Nigeria (APWEN) Lagos Chapter has inaugurated its Innovation and Resource Hub at the Faculty of Engineering, University of Lagos,UNILAG.
Blacktalker reports that the event also marked the grand finale of SHEnovation 2025, a dynamic initiative aimed at equipping young women with cutting-edge skills in science, technology, engineering and mathematics (STEM).
Speaking at the inauguration, Chairman of APWEN Lagos, Engr. (Dr.) Atinuke Wurola Owolabi, FNSE, FNIEEE, described the hub as a bold step toward bridging the gender gap in STEM and creating a launchpad for young women to “code, create, conquer and cash out.”
“This is not just a ribbon-cutting,” Owolabi declared. “We are unveiling a space that will nurture ideas, birth inventions and empower the next generation of women engineers to take centre stage in solving the world’s toughest challenges.”
She explained that the event with the theme: “From Circuit Boards to SHEnovation”, included a public lecture, awards presentation and a showcase of innovation by young women engineers.
According to her, the newly commissioned hub is designed to provide access to tools and mentorship in areas such as artificial intelligence, robotics, energy and digital manufacturing.
The Vice-Chancellor of the University of Lagos, Professor Folasade T. Ogunsola, OON, FAS, who served as the chief host, commended the initiative. “What we’re seeing is professionals stepping forward to be part of the solution,” she said. “This space will be a hive of creativity, preparing students to be fit for purpose in a tech-driven world.”
Professor Ogunsola highlighted the importance of academia-industry collaboration, stressing that students need exposure to both academic and real-world environments. She also praised APWEN Lagos for fostering a space where innovation meets practical application.
On his part, the Dean of the Faculty of Engineering at the University of Lagos, Professor Samson O. Adeosun commended APWEN Lagos for its strides in nurturing future leaders. He noted that the Innovation Hub is poised to become a dynamic centre for learning, innovation and inclusive engineering excellence.
Professor Adeosun charged other professional bodies and well-meaning Nigerians to give back to their alma mata, an act which he described as investing in future leaders.
The event drew participation from industry leaders, educators, students and partners, including lead sponsor Reservoir & Facilities Solutions Nigeria Ltd and past APWEN leaders whose efforts have been pivotal to the hub’s creation.