The Association of Professional Women Engineers of Nigeria (APWEN) has called for the creation of a supportive and enabling environment to encourage girls and women to develop interest and thrive in Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics (STEM) fields.

The appeal was made by a former President of the association, Felicia Agubata, during a virtual APWEN Insight Series themed, “Women and Girls in Science and Engineering: Building the Future Pipeline.”

The Insight Series, an initiative of APWEN, is designed to promote professional development, technical advancement and leadership growth among women engineers, while also inspiring young girls to pursue careers in STEM.

Preventing Leakages in STEM Pipeline

Agubata stressed that sparking early interest in science-related subjects, ensuring retention through mentorship, and sustaining advocacy efforts are crucial to preventing what she described as “leakages” in the female STEM participation pipeline.

According to her, beyond classroom instruction, deliberate structural support systems are needed to nurture talent, remove barriers and ensure continuity for girls pursuing careers in science and engineering.

She noted that access to mentorship, scholarships, inclusive policies and visible female role models would significantly improve participation and long-term retention.

From Rural Beginnings to Engineering Leadership

Reflecting on her personal journey, Agubata described herself as a determined rural girl raised in a post-war environment shaped by deprivation but strengthened by resilience.

She recounted supporting her late mother through petty trading and farm work while maintaining academic excellence and participating actively in sports. Her passion for hands-on problem-solving and practical innovation, she said, ultimately led her into engineering.

Agubata urged young girls to embrace hard work, discipline, community support and a strong sense of responsibility as essential pillars for success in technical professions.

Recognising Trailblazers in Engineering

The former APWEN president commended the founding members of the association for laying a strong advocacy foundation since its establishment in 1982.

She also referenced pioneering women who have broken barriers in engineering and related industries, including Margaret Oguntala, the first female President of the Nigerian Society of Engineers (NSE).

Agubata noted that such trailblazers have demonstrated that women can excel across diverse sectors, including oil and gas, consulting, infrastructure development and academia.

Building a Structured Career Pathway

In her remarks, the current APWEN President, Chinyere Igwegbe, encouraged young engineers to take deliberate and strategic steps towards building sustainable and impactful careers.

Igwegbe explained that the theme of the event was carefully crafted to highlight the processes, stages and foundational building blocks required to nurture and sustain the next generation of engineering professionals.

“Building the future pipeline represents the structured pathway through which aspiring engineers must pass, equipped with the right knowledge, mentorship and professional values necessary for long-term success,” she said.

She emphasised that mentorship and structured professional guidance remain central to strengthening female participation in the engineering profession.

Strengthening Nigeria’s STEM Future

APWEN reiterated its commitment to promoting inclusivity in engineering and creating platforms that empower girls and women to compete globally in science and technology.

Stakeholders at the event agreed that improving STEM participation among girls is not only a gender issue but also a national development priority. Expanding the talent pool in engineering and technology, they said, would drive innovation, industrial growth and economic competitiveness.

As Nigeria continues to push for technological advancement and industrial expansion, APWEN’s advocacy underscores the importance of creating supportive policies, accessible opportunities and strong mentorship networks to secure the future pipeline of female engineers.

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