2025 Women Engineers Call for Steady Skills Advancement

The immediate past chairman of the Association of Professional Women Engineers of Nigeria (APWEN), Lagos Chapter, Dr. Atinuke Owolabi, has reiterated the commitment of engineers in the state to strengthening hands-on skills, closing the gap between theory and practice for young practitioners, and enhancing the relevance of senior professionals.

Owolabi made this pledge during the association’s 2025 Annual General Meeting, awards ceremony, and election of new officials in Lagos.

Reviewing her two-year tenure, she highlighted several milestones, including the successful hosting of workshops, trainings, and hackathons. Among them were the APWEN Lagos Skill-Up Initiative with AUTO-GIG, which trained 25 engineers in Auto-CAD; digital manufacturing training for 38 members in collaboration with Microsoft; and the Cybersecurity Workshop Series 1.0 & 2.0.

She also cited 102 submissions received during the SHEnovation Hackathon, the launch of SECAP with 200 young female engineers, and practical sessions held in mechanical, solar, and civil engineering.

“Inspired over 1,500 girls through STEM-focused education and awareness programmes, trained over 50 senior engineers in AI tools, engaged multiple schools during International Day of the Girl Child, International Day of Women and Girls in Science, and International Girls in ICT Day, and mentored 120 girls on health and hygiene,” Owolabi said. She added that the chapter also hosted a STEM holiday camp in Makoko in honour of Dr. Felicia Agubata and provided scholarships and support for the She Creates and Robotics Demos at Pan-Atlantic University.

According to her, APWEN Lagos has built stronger systems, empowered more members, and positioned itself as a forward-thinking force in engineering. She stressed that the chapter has expanded visibility, built capacity, and inspired impact among female engineers, thereby motivating younger generations to pursue excellence and innovation.

The chapter also facilitated job placements with Tranos, Covenant Plus, and secured 20 placements with Dangote.

“Although I am stepping down as chairman, I will continue to be actively involved in APWEN Lagos. As a Board member of the North Central Development Commission representing the South-West, I am committed to empowering future engineers and creating opportunities for all APWEN members,” she assured.

She further disclosed that the association had opened the APWEN Lagos Innovation & Resource Hub at the University of Lagos, donated engineering equipment to the Faculty of Engineering, and achieved membership growth of about 120 new members, including students, professionals, and retirees. Student chapters were also established at UNILAG, YABATECH, and LASU, with stronger support for student-to-professional transitions.