The Association of Professional Women Engineers of Nigeria (APWEN), Lagos Chapter, has inaugurated an Innovation and Resource Hub at the University of Lagos, signaling a significant stride towards empowering women in engineering and bridging the gender gap in STEM fields. This initiative underscores APWEN’s commitment to providing young women with the necessary resources, tools, and opportunities to thrive in the rapidly evolving technology-driven world. The hub aims to foster innovation, creativity, and leadership among aspiring female engineers, equipping them with the skills and knowledge to excel in various technological domains.
The inauguration of the hub coincided with a public lecture titled “From Circuit Boards to SHEnovation: How Young Women Engineers Can Code, Create, Conquer, and Cash Out!” This theme encapsulates the transformative potential of the hub, emphasizing the power of code, creativity, and innovation in shaping industries and transforming societies. The lecture served as a call to action, inspiring young women to embrace engineering as a field where they can design solutions for real-world challenges and contribute meaningfully to global advancements. The event highlighted the expanding role of women in engineering, moving beyond traditional boundaries and taking center stage in technological innovation.
Dr. Atinuke Owolabi, the Lagos Chapter Chairman of APWEN, described the hub as a “haven for learning, collaboration, and hands-on experimentation.” It is designed to be a space where young women can nurture their ideas, develop inventions, and ultimately, bridge the gender gap in STEM fields. The hub will provide access to resources and mentorship across a range of technological disciplines, including artificial intelligence, robotics, energy, and digital manufacturing, serving as a launchpad for future female leaders in technology. Owolabi encouraged young participants to dream boldly, code fearlessly, and create limitlessly, emphasizing their role in shaping the future of technology.
Professor Folasade Ogunsola, the Vice-Chancellor of the University of Lagos, commended the collaborative effort between the university and APWEN, highlighting the importance of strategic partnerships in preparing students for real-world challenges. She emphasized the necessity of bridging the gap between academia and industry, recognizing that universities cannot thrive in isolation. Professor Ogunsola envisions the hub as a space where students can think critically, innovate, and translate their ideas into practical solutions. The hub is part of a broader initiative at the University of Lagos to establish innovation hubs across various disciplines, including the arts, fostering creativity and transforming it into economic value.
The Innovation and Resource Hub represents a significant investment in the future of female engineers. It provides a dedicated space for learning, collaboration, and hands-on experimentation, equipping young women with the skills and confidence to pursue careers in STEM fields. The hub’s emphasis on practical application and real-world problem-solving will prepare these future engineers to contribute meaningfully to technological advancements and address global challenges. By providing access to cutting-edge resources and fostering a supportive community, the hub aims to empower a new generation of female engineers to lead and innovate in the tech-driven world.
This initiative marks a pivotal moment in the advancement of women in engineering. The collaboration between APWEN and the University of Lagos demonstrates a shared commitment to fostering diversity and inclusion within STEM fields. The Innovation and Resource Hub not only provides a physical space for learning and collaboration but also symbolizes a cultural shift towards greater representation and empowerment of women in technology. This collaborative effort promises to cultivate a more inclusive and innovative future, where young women are equipped to lead and shape the technological landscape. The hub serves as a beacon of hope and opportunity, inspiring future generations of female engineers to pursue their passions and contribute their unique talents to the world of technology.
