Female Engineers Lead Drive for Constant Skills Upgrade in Nigeria
Building a successful career in engineering requires more than classroom knowledge—it takes hands-on skills, innovation, and continuous learning. This was the key message from Dr. Atinuke Owolabi, immediate past chairman of the Association of Professional Women Engineers of Nigeria (APWEN), Lagos Chapter, during the group’s 2025 annual general meeting in Lagos.
Empowering Engineers Through Training
Over the last two years, APWEN Lagos has trained and empowered both young and senior engineers through:
Skill-up workshops: Auto-CAD training for 25 engineers, digital manufacturing with Microsoft for 38 members, and cybersecurity workshops.
Hackathons: 102 submissions in the SHEnovation Hackathon and the launch of SECAP with 200 young female engineers.
STEM Awareness: Over 1,500 girls inspired through STEM education, holiday camps in Makoko, robotics demos, and school engagements during International Science and ICT days.
Senior Engineers Capacity Building: Over 50 senior professionals trained in AI tools to remain relevant in today’s digital world.
Creating Career Opportunities
Beyond training, APWEN Lagos has worked to connect members with real job opportunities. The chapter facilitated placements with Tranos, Covenant Plus, and supported 20 engineers with roles at Dangote Group. They also launched the APWEN Lagos Innovation & Resource Hub at the University of Lagos, equipping the Faculty of Engineering with new tools.
Inspiring the Next Generation
With the creation of student chapters in UNILAG, YABATECH, and LASU, APWEN Lagos is ensuring young engineers” transition smoothly into professional careers. By mentoring students, giving scholarships, and supporting science-based school activities, they are preparing the next generation to thrive in engineering.
“Every engineer must commit to constant skills upgrade. It is the bridge between classroom knowledge and real-world impact.” – Dr. Atinuke Owolabi
The achievements of APWEN Lagos show that skills, mentorship, and opportunities are the keys to professional growth. For young Nigerians, this means participating in workshops, volunteering in STEM programs, and joining professional associations to access mentorship and job opportunities. For senior engineers, it means embracing digital tools and new technologies to stay competitive. Together, these steps can strengthen Nigeria’s engineering sector and open doors for more women in the profession.
