APWEN and Unilag unveil innovation hub to boost female engineers in Lagos
The Association of Professional Women Engineers of Nigeria (APWEN), Lagos Chapter, has inaugurated a new innovation and resource hub at the Faculty of Engineering, University of Lagos. This facility is tailored to foster learning, creativity, and empowerment, especially aimed at young and aspiring female engineers.
Equipped with advanced engineering tools, the hub features 3D printers, CNC machines, and digital workstations, providing participants with hands-on experiences that are essential for bridging the gap between theoretical knowledge and practical application. In addition, it houses over 100 desktop and laptop computers and aims to collaborate with international universities to broaden access to global engineering resources.
At the commissioning event, which included a public lecture and award presentation, Dr. Atinuke Wuraola Owolabi, the Chairperson of APWEN, underscored that this initiative represents a strong commitment to advancing women in STEM fields. She described the hub as more than just a physical space but as a "launchpad for greatness," noting its role in "unveiling hope, nurturing ideas, birthing inventions, and bridging the gender gap in STEM."
Dr. Owolabi clarified that the hub would facilitate hands-on learning in crucial areas such as artificial intelligence, robotics, digital manufacturing, and energy. She also commended the University of Lagos for its supportive partnership in this venture.
The Vice-Chancellor of the University of Lagos, Prof. Folasade Ogunsola, echoed the importance of this collaboration, stating that strategic partnerships are vital for adequately preparing students for real-world challenges. "We are part of the solution," she remarked, emphasising that universities must engage with industry to remain relevant. She highlighted how this lab will provide students with a creative space to think critically and innovate, marking it as part of a broader initiative at UNILAG to establish multiple innovation hubs across various disciplines.
Prof. Oluwatoyin Ashiru, the Pro-Chancellor and Chairman of the Governing Council of Olabisi Onabanjo University, addressed the event under the theme ‘From Circuit Board to SHEnovation: How Young Women Engineers can Code, Create, Conquer and Cash out’. He stressed the need for increased female representation in engineering, aiming for a target of 50 percent female engineers. He encouraged the young women present to embrace bold ambitions in their careers, stating, “Dream big” and advocating for a proactive approach to leadership.
The ceremony also celebrated young female engineers by awarding prizes for their innovative projects. Team SmartMaterial, led by Success Asokere from Lagos State University Epe Campus, secured first place with their AI-powered material selection aimed at efficient building design, earning a cash prize of N200,000. The second place was awarded to Team VIREA from Covenant University, led by Stephanie Emenike, for their innovative smart glasses designed for the visually impaired, which incorporates an AI camera system to read text and identify obstacles, winning N150,000. Team Smart CookGuard from the University of Lagos, led by Kehinde Adegboye, came in third with their intelligent cooking safety system, combining sensor technology and AI, receiving N100,000.
The initiative marks a significant development in support of women in engineering and technology, providing essential resources to empower the next generation of female leaders in these fields.