By Prosper Mene
Female engineers in Nigeria are intensifying calls for greater investment, mentorship, and policy support to boost women’s participation in Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics (STEM) fields, warning that low representation is holding back national innovation and economic growth.
Speaking at the Association of Professional Women Engineers of Nigeria (APWEN)’s International Women’s Day celebration in Abuja, APWEN President Chinyere Igwegbe urged government and industry stakeholders to invest more in women and girls in STEM. “When we empower women, we do far more than support individuals; we unlock innovation, strengthen economies, and transform communities,” she said, quoting former UN Secretary-General Kofi Annan.
Igwegbe highlighted APWEN’s long-standing work in mentorship, scholarships, STEM outreach, and advocacy, but stressed that more deliberate action is needed. “Opening doors must be accompanied by support to enable leadership and excellence,” she added.
The event, themed “Give to Gain: Empower Her, Empower All,” featured recognition of outstanding women engineers for their contributions to mentorship and leadership. Speakers including Valerie Agberagba (Deputy President of the Nigerian Society of Engineers) emphasised mentorship, access to finance, and supportive policies, while Oghale Ojeabure of the Nigerian National Petroleum Company noted that women make up less than 20% of the workforce in technical roles.
In a related development ahead of International Women’s Day 2026, the Managing Director of Emma-Tob International Academy, Deborah Omolola, called for stronger support to increase the number of women practising engineering in Nigeria. She pointed out the stark gender imbalance in Nigerian institutions, where the female-to-male student ratio in engineering is approximately 1:9, compared to 48.5% female engineers in Algeria according to UNESCO data.
“We need more female engineers in practice. The world is evolving, and in this digital era, women have proven that their contributions to technological advancement and innovation are indispensable,” Omolola said. She commended bodies such as ANWEP, COREN, and the Nigerian Society of Engineers for their ongoing efforts.
Female engineers are pushing for practical solutions: improved STEM infrastructure in schools, scholarships, industry partnerships, hands-on outreach programmes for girls, and workplace policies that address bias, work-life balance, and career progression. Students at the APWEN event highlighted persistent barriers such as inadequate laboratories and poor teaching tools.
Stakeholders, including former Minister of Transportation Rotimi Amaechi and past NSE President Kashim Ali, echoed the need for investment in science education and infrastructure to tackle broader national issues like insecurity and poverty while harnessing women’s proven leadership abilities.
As Nigeria aims to position itself as a hub for innovation, female engineers say stronger, sustained support, from government, academia, and the private sector — is not just a gender issue, but a strategic imperative for national development.
“STEM for all means removing barriers and ensuring every voice counts,” said past APWEN leader Dr Ini Usoro. “A child from a small village should have the same chance to explore science as one from a big city.”
The calls come amid ongoing initiatives like APWEN’s FunSTEM programmes, school outreach, and grants aimed at doubling female participation in engineering.
