Oyo, June 1, 2025 – Prof. Tinuade Jolaade Afolabi, a female Professor of Chemical Engineering, has called for public recognition of the numerous achievements of women engineers.
She said such recognition would help to address gender biases and stereotypes that often hinder advancement of women engineers.
Afolabi, of the Department of Chemical Engineering at Ladoke Akintola University of Technology, Ogbomoso in Oyo State, made the call in Oyo during the inauguration of Dr Iretioluwa Mojisola Oyerinde as the Pioneer Chairman of Oyo Chapter, Association of Professional Women Engineers of Nigeria (APWEN).
She spoke on “Impact of Women Engineers in Technological Advancement”.
According to her, publicing the achievements of women engineers can help debunk the myth that engineering is a male-dominated profession.
She stressed the need for encouragement of more women to pursue STEM careers.
The don said technological advancement had paved the way for women to empower themselves in their personal and professional lives.
She listed these areas to include Information and Communication Technologies, Artificial intelligence (Al) as well as Robotics and Biotechnology.
“The development of the internet, smartphones, and social media have revolutionised communication and access to information,” she said.
Dr Adebisi R. Osim, the President of the Association of Professional Women Engineers of Nigeria (APWEN), said that establishment of Oyo chapter of the association signaled a bold step toward inclusion, innovation, and capacity building in the engineering profession, particularly, in Oyo State.
Osim said that the topic on “The Impact of Women Engineers in Technological Advancement” was timely and significant.
“Around the world, women are proving every day that engineering is not a male-dominated terrain.
“From sustainable energy solutions to software development, infrastructure design to biomedical innovation, women engineers are reshaping industries, building nations, and transforming lives.
“At APWEN, our mission is simple, but profound, to encourage, enhance, and excel. We empower women to lead with competence and courage in engineering.
“We mentor girls to embrace science, technology, engineering, and mathematics (STEM) from a young age.
“And, we build platforms like this one to strengthen our network and deepen our impact.
“Also, our responsibilities as engineers go beyond calculations and constructions. We are nation builders, problem solvers, and role models.
Osim said that, as women, they bore the added responsibility of challenging stereotypes and paving paths for others.
Olori Alaafin of Oyo, Ayaba Abiwunmi Owoade, the Royal Mother at the occasion, in her goodwill message, said: “we are celebrating women as builders of infrastructure, of innovation, of technology, and of transformation”.
“That, to me, is power in its truest form.
“As Olori of the Alaafin of Oyo, I extend to you my blessings, my support, and my deep admiration,” Owoade said.
