Association of Professional Women Engineers of Nigeria (APWEN) Osogbo Chapter, a division of the Nigerian Society of Engineers, during the Investiture of Engr. (Dr.) Abimbola Rhoda Iyanda,MNSE, MAPWEN, as the 2nd chapter Chairman and award presentation on Thursday, 18th August, 2016, at the NSE Secretariat, Osogbo, Osun State, presented special award of excellence to Prof. Oguntola Jelil Alamu, Acting Vice Chancellor, Osun State University, for supporting women progress in engineering technology.Engr. (Dr.) Abimbola noted that the award is in recognition of the progress and continuing commitment of Prof. Alamu to increase the participation of women in engineering education and career. In her speech, Engr. Abimbola said that as part of the strategic plan of APWEN, the association remains committed to addressing issues of diversity in engineering faculty and women participations through proactive efforts and strengthening retention practices. She added that female student all the world achieve comparable retention rates.
The Acting Vice Chancellor, Prof Oguntola Jelil Alamu, who gave all the glory to God while appreciating the association, noted that any female engineering student who studies hard will always excel. He also commended the efforts of APWEN on its programmes geared towards encouraging Nigeria’s female engineers in nation building.
The Association of Professional Women Engineer of Nigeria (APWEN) formally inaugurated in 1983 was formed by a handful of women engineers led by Engr. (Mrs.) J. O. Maduka in 1982. The association was originally meant to be a pressure group since most employer of labour would rather have women in the kitchen and not on construction sites or behind the desk carrying out engineering designs.
APWEN is a division of the Nigerian Society of Engineers (NSE), a non-governmental umbrella body for all engineers in Nigeria and it is made up of professional female engineers in all varieties of engineering. It is also a member of the National Council of Women Societies. The membership has grown over the years to over 1,500 with members spreading all over the country. APWEN also has University Student Membership.
The is to be the catalyst for advancement of women in the engineering profession towards national and global technological development while its mission is to continuously increase awareness that engineering is also a career for women, thereby improving the strength of female engineers; encouraging women to achieve professional excellence as engineers and leaders; and promoting the engineering profession as a positive force in enhancing the quality of life.