The Association of Professional Women Engineers (APWEN) Lagos Chapter has inaugurated a new resource, technology, and innovation hub aimed at empowering female engineering students, young engineers, and members to drive technological innovation.
The hub, named after Ife Oyedele Resource and made possible through the donation of a 200-capacity hall by the Faculty of Engineering at the University of Lagos, will create a collaborative ecosystem where female engineering students and young engineers can access resources, exchange knowledge, and develop innovative solutions to address societal challenges.
During the inauguration ceremony, Mrs. Atinuke Owolabi, the chapter’s new chairman, highlighted that the hub will offer members and aspiring engineers access to cutting-edge resources to enhance their skills and capabilities. The hub features cutting-edge technology, high-speed internet connectivity, an entrepreneurship hub, modern infrastructure, a 200-capacity hall, an innovation lab, and networking events.
Owolabi explained that the hub will also be used for research and development, engaging with local schools, universities, and community organizations to promote Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics (STEM) education, mentorship, and career guidance for young girls interested in pursuing engineering and technology careers.
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The chapter will leverage partnerships with government agencies, corporate sponsors, academia, and NGOs to sustainably operate the resources.
Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu, represented by his Chief of Staff, Tayo Ayinde, expressed confidence in Owolabi’s leadership and stated that the Lagos state government is ready to collaborate and partner with APWEN in uplifting women engineers in the state.
In a lecture, Prof. Oluwatoyin Ashiru advocated for the economic empowerment of women to contribute to engineering and national development. He emphasized the need for inclusivity in the engineering workplace, suggesting policies such as flexible working hours, maternity leave, mentorship programs, and measures to prevent workplace harassment to make engineering more conducive for females.
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Ashiru stressed the importance of networking, community support, mentorship, and other opportunities for women in engineering, noting that women must celebrate themselves and publish success stories in terms of inventions and innovations.
In her inaugural address, Owolabi pledged commitment to comprehensive training programs for members by equipping them with the skills and knowledge needed to thrive in today’s evolving engineering landscape. She also solicited partnerships with government and private organizations, urging support for the chapter’s Internship and Graduate Trainee Scheme.