Chinyere Nnenna Igwegbe has been inaugurated as the 19th President of the Association of Professional Women Engineers of Nigeria (APWEN), pledging to strengthen the role of women engineers as drivers of innovation, sustainable development, and economic growth.
The investiture ceremony, held at the Nigerian Society of Engineers’ headquarters in Abuja, brought together industry leaders, policymakers, and development partners.
In her address, Igwegbe outlined a vision focused on results-oriented strategies and practical solutions. She stressed that APWEN must move beyond advocacy, ensuring that research and innovative ideas are translated into tangible products and enterprises.
“Engineering is about innovation. Our goal is to turn ideas into solutions that impact society,” she said. “We will foster collaborative research, scale prototypes into market-ready products, and connect women-led innovations to investors and industry players.”
Her priorities include promoting initiatives in renewable energy, climate adaptation, water access, digital transformation, environmental resilience, and infrastructure development. Igwegbe also emphasized community-centered engineering projects, from clean energy programs to sustainable construction.
To monitor progress, her administration will establish a robust evaluation framework. “Evidence and data are crucial. By tracking impact, we can improve and leave a lasting legacy,” she added.
APWEN’s STEM outreach will expand under her leadership, including robotics competitions for secondary schools and advanced contests for university students, aimed at inspiring young girls to pursue careers in engineering and technology.
The President of the Nigerian Society of Engineers, Ali Rabiu, highlighted the critical role of women in engineering for national development, calling for increased government and private sector support, scholarships, and research funding.
Elozino Olaniyan, Managing Director of Midwestern Oil and Gas Ltd, stressed that gender inclusion in engineering is an economic necessity, noting that women remain significantly underrepresented in technical and leadership roles, and women-led startups receive minimal venture capital funding.
Founded over 40 years ago, APWEN has been at the forefront of promoting professional excellence, mentorship, and gender equity in engineering. Under Igwegbe, the association plans to strengthen innovation, entrepreneurship, and strategic partnerships, positioning women engineers at the heart of Nigeria’s development agenda.
