Lagos State University (LASU) Epe Campus has emerged as the winner of the SHEnovation engineering competition organised by the Association of Professional Women Engineers of Nigeria (APWEN) Lagos Chapter, with its Artificial Intelligence-powered material selection for efficient building design.

The initiative was part of the chapter’s innovation month designed to encourage idea incubation among young engineers at undergraduate levels and groom them towards the design of equipment and tools that could solve environmental problems confronting Nigerian society.

LASU won a cash award of N200,000, and Covenant University, Ota, emerged as the second-place winner and was awarded N150,000. The tool developed was a smart glass for the visually impaired with a built-in camera integrated with AI, which allows the device to read text aloud while identifying obstructions.

Team Smart CookGuard from the University of Lagos led by Kehinde Adegboye came third. Their solution is a Dualier Intelligent Cooking Safety System, which combines sensor technology, Artificial Intelligence and automated safety mechanisms. The team won a cash prize of N100,000.

The fourth place was won by team EcoHaven from the Federal University of Agriculture, Abeokuta, led by Mary Anjolajesu. Their solution was an AI-Driven Building Management System. The team won a cash award of N75, 000 while the fifth place was won by Afe Babalola University, Ado-Ekiti. The solution was a wearable, cost-effective ECG device which uses Artificial Intelligence-trained models to identify abnormalities in the electrical activity of the user’s heart. They won a cash award of N50,000.

Speaking at the forum, chairman of the chapter, Dr Atinuke Owolabi, lauded the innovators for their efforts and urged the young engineers to dream boldly, code fearlessly and conquer the world of technology with integrity and innovation.She noted that the future isn’t just something to wait for but what they are being equipped to create.

Owolabi disclosed that the recent unveiling of an innovation hub by the chapter will further serve as a space that will nurture ideas, birth inventions, and bridge the gender gap in Science Technology Engineering and Mathematics (STEM).

According to her, the hub is designed to be a haven for learning, collaboration, and hands-on experimentation in Artificial Intelligence, robotics, energy, or digital manufacturing, adding that the space will serve as a launch pad for greatness.

APWEN President, Dr Adebisi Osim, represented by a past chairman, APWEN Lagos, Mrs Laolu Adedapo-Aisida, said the projects and innovations showcased are a powerful demonstration of young engineers’ potential to “Code, Create, Conquer and Cash Out.
“You are proving that women are not just users of technology but are pivotal creators and drivers of technological advancement. Continue to nurture your curiosity, embrace challenges, and never underestimate the power of your unique perspectives. APWEN stands firmly behind you, ready to support your aspirations,” she said.

Osim said APWEN remains steadfast in its commitment to encouraging, enhancing and excelling the female engineer, adding that it will continue to create platforms and initiatives that empower women to reach their full potential and make indelible marks in the engineering landscape.