The Association of Professional Women Engineers (APWEN), Lagos chapter, yesterday, urged leaders at local, state and federal levels to implement policies that would enhance the employability and competitiveness of female engineering graduates.
Chairman of the chapter, Dr Atinuke Owolabi, made the appeal during a forum to mark World Engineering Day 2025 in Lagos, with the theme, “Shaping our
sustainable future through engineering.”
She also called on government agencies, industry leaders, and corporate organisations to invest in female engineers by supporting and organising training programmes, mentorship initiatives and industry placements.
According to her, by bridging the gender gap in engineering as supported by the Sustainable Development Goals (SDG 5 on Gender Equality) and fostering innovation (SDG 9 on Industry, Innovation, and Infrastructure), the nation can unlock the full potential of engineering to drive sustainable development in Nigeria and beyond.
Owolabi said that APWEN remains dedicated to empowering female engineers, promoting sustainable solutions, and ensuring that women engineers in Lagos State actively shape the future. She, therefore, called for synergy to harness the power of engineering to build a more inclusive, resilient, and prosperous world.
“This year’s theme underscores the critical role of engineers in solving global challenges. At APWEN Lagos, we are committed to empowering female engineers with the skills, knowledge, and opportunities to drive innovation, sustainability, and national development. We believe that empowering female engineers is key to driving sustainable innovation. Our initiatives equip women with the skills and opportunities to transform industries and communities,” Owolabi said.
Owolabi said that APWEN is planning to launch a five-week hands-on training on electrical wiring installation and solar technology, an initiative that will equip students, early-career female engineers, and professionals with practical skills in clean energy solutions, positioning them for impactful careers in Nigeria’s renewable energy sector.
