Nigerian women engineers urged to lead practical solutions

Women engineers in Nigeria are being challenged to transition from advocacy to actively leading the development of practical solutions for national and global engineering issues. Mrs. Chinyere Igwegbe, National President of the Association of Professional Women Engineers of Nigeria (APWEN), stressed this during the inauguration of the third Chairman and Executive Committee of the APWEN Umuahia chapter in Abia State.

Igwegbe highlighted that the future of engineering will increasingly rely on innovation, sustainability, and inclusive leadership. She asserted that women engineers possess the necessary technical expertise and community-focused perspectives to tackle pressing challenges such as climate change, renewable energy, food security, infrastructure development, and technological advancement.

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I encourage the new executives to strengthen members’ professional competence, mentor young girls into Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics education, deepen collaboration with government, industry and academic institutions, and champion gender inclusion within the engineering profession.

She congratulated the new Umuahia chapter executives, urging them to foster united leadership built on teamwork, purposeful programs, and institutional sustainability. Igwegbe encouraged the new leadership to enhance members' professional competence, mentor young girls in STEM fields, deepen collaborations with government and industry, and champion gender inclusion within the engineering profession.

Accepting her role as the third Chairman of APWEN Umuahia chapter, Mrs. Chibuogwu Okoro outlined her administration's commitment to building an organization recognized for excellence, innovation, professional development, and sustainable community impact. Her five strategic priorities include expanding membership, continuous professional development, increased STEM advocacy for girls, stronger partnerships, and engineering interventions for community benefit. Okoro also stressed that women engineers must lead the adoption of emerging technologies like AI, cybersecurity, and smart infrastructure, rather than merely adapting to them. Speakers at the event further encouraged mentorship, upskilling, community projects, and science communication to make engineering accessible, particularly to rural women and youth.

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I pledge to build an organisation recognised for excellence, innovation, professional development and sustainable community impact.