Female engineers have established a new resource, technology, and innovation hub in Lagos, which is aimed at empowering female engineering students, young engineers, and members to drive technological innovation.
The hub being promoted by the Association of Professional Women Engineers (APWEN) Lagos Chapter is made possible through the donation of a 200-capacity hall by the Faculty of Engineering at the University of Lagos. The hub will create a collaborative ecosystem, where female engineering students with ten per cent of boys, young engineers can access resources, exchange knowledge, and develop innovative solutions to address societal challenges.
Speaking at her inauguration as the chapter new chairman /launching of the hub, Mrs Atinuke Owolabi, disclosed that the hub will offer members and aspiring engineers’ access to cutting-edge resources to enhance their skills and capabilities, adding that the hub is aptly named after Ife Oyedele Resource, the President of the UNILAG Alumni Association Worldwide and the Executive Director (Network) of Niger Delta Power Holding Company,
Some of the key features in the hub include cutting-edge technology, high-speed internet connectivity, entrepreneurship hub and modern infrastructure to support various activities such as workshops, seminars, hackathons, 200-capacity hall, innovation lab and networking events and state-of-the-art facilities.
Owolabi explained that the hub will also be deployed for research and development, engaging with local schools, universities, and community organisations to promote Science Technology Engineering and Mathematics (STEM) education, mentorship, and career guidance for young girls interested in pursuing engineering and technology careers while the chapter will leverage strategic partnerships with government agencies, corporate sponsors, academia, and NGOs to sustainably operate the resources.
Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu, who was represented by his Chief of Staff, Tayo Ayinde, expressed confidence on her capacity to take up the assignment and lead APWEN in Lagos to a greater height. He said: “Lagos state government is ready to collaborate and partner with APWEN in its assignment of uplifting women engineers in the state.”
In a lecture, Pro-Chancellor, Olabisi Onabanjo University, Ogun State, Prof. Oluwatoyin Ashiru, advocated that women must be empowered economically to contribute to engineering and national development.
He suggested that the engineering workplace must evolve to become more Inclusive. This, he said, means not only hiring more women but also ensuring they have equal opportunities for growth and leadership.
He said policies such as flexible working hours, maternity leave, mentorship programs, and measures to prevent workplace harassment are crucial, to make engineering more conducive for females.
Ashiru also stressed the need for networking and community, support, mentorship, and other opportunities for women. “Women must celebrate themselves and publish success stories in terms of inventions and innovations. The field of engineering has long been perceived as a male-dominated arena.
“However, the tides are turning, and the inclusion of women in engineering is not just a matter of equality but a necessity for innovation and progress. From a young age, societal stereotypes and educational biases often discourage girls from pursuing interests in science, technology, engineering and mathematics (STEM).”
In her inaugural address, Owolabi pledged commitment to comprehensive training programmes for members by equipping them with the skills and knowledge needed to thrive in today’s evolving engineering landscape.
According to her, the new administration will foster collaboration, and advocacy, aimed to contribute towards achieving Sustainable Development Goal SDG six and ensuring access to clean water and sanitation for all Nigerians. She solicited for partnerships with government and private organisations, urging support for the chapters’ Internship and Graduate Trainee Scheme.
