The Association of Professional Women Engineers of Nigeria, Lagos Chapter, has unveiled its innovation and resource hub at the Faculty of Engineering in the University of Lagos.
The Lagos Chapter Chairman of APWEN, Dr Atinuke Owolabi, said the inauguration was a bold declaration of the association’s commitment to providing access, tools, and opportunities for young women to innovate, build, and lead in a fast-evolving tech-driven world.
The inauguration coincided with the association’s public lecture themed, “From Circuit Boards to SHEnovation: How Young Women Engineers Can Code, Create, Conquer, and Cash Out!”
Owolabo said, “It’s a powerful call to action and a reminder that engineering is no longer confined to the lab or the boardroom. It is an expansive world where code meets creativity, innovation meets impact, and women take centre stage in designing solutions that shape industries and transform societies.
“As we unveil the Innovation and Resource Hub today, we are also unveiling hope, a space that will nurture ideas, birth inventions, and bridge the gender gap in STEM. This hub is designed to be a haven for learning, collaboration, and hands-on experimentation. Whether it’s in AI, robotics, energy, or digital manufacturing, this space will serve as a launchpad for greatness.
“To our young participants, this is your moment. Dream boldly. Code fearlessly. Create limitlessly. And most importantly, conquer the world of technology with integrity and innovation. The future isn’t just something to wait for, it’s something you’re being equipped here to create.
“We are immensely grateful to our partners, speakers, and sponsors, especially our Lead Sponsor, Reservoir & Facilities Solutions Nigeria Ltd. Your unwavering support makes it possible to translate vision into reality.”
Speaking with journalists, the Vice-Chancellor of the University of Lagos, Prof Folasade Ogunsola, also commended the collaborative efforts between the university and APWEN, emphasising that strategic partnerships are essential to preparing students for real-world challenges.
She highlighted the importance of bridging academia and industry, stating that, “We are part of the solution, and Universities cannot thrive in isolation. The explosion of global knowledge has shown us that without working with industry, what we call the town, we won’t get it right.”
“The lab will offer students a space to think, innovate and turn their ideas into practical solutions. It is part of a broader initiative at UNILAG, where multiple innovation hubs are being established across disciplines, including the arts, to harness creativity and turn it into economic value.”
The hub was designed for learning, creativity, and empowerment, particularly for young and aspiring female engineers.
