- APWEN held its South-South Zonal Programme in Uyo, Akwa Ibom, promoting STEM careers for girls, young women, and boys under the theme 'STEM for All: Promoting Inclusivity and Diversity in Engineering'.
- The initiative emphasizes mentorship and hands-on learning, encouraging students to embrace STEM with confidence and see it as a tool for innovation and sustainable development.
- Speakers highlighted the need for inclusivity in STEM, noting that Nigeria could unlock huge potential by fully engaging women and students from all backgrounds in science and engineering.
The Association of Professional Women Engineers of Nigeria, APWEN, has reiterated the need for girls, young women and even boys to be involved in careers in Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics, STEM. It also asked the association to mentor the younger generation to help secure the future of the nation, making engineering more attractive. In addition, they have been encouraged to inspire and guide students, nurture curiosity, build confidence, and celebrate their achievements.
These were the messages delivered at the just-concluded APWEN South-South Zonal Programme for girls in secondary schools held in Uyo, Akwa Ibom State tagged 'STEM for All: Promoting Inclusivity and Diversity in Engineering for a Sustainable World'. The event brought together students and female engineers from across the region.
APWEN President, Dr Adebisi Osim, declared that the FunSTEM Programmes of the organisation were designed to inspire children across the country towards STEM careers through hands-on learning, leadership development and digital engagement. She urged that Nigerians ensure everyone, especially young women and girls, can embrace STEM with confidence.
According to her, STEM fields are not just school subjects but “tools that shape the world, gateways to innovation, problem-solving and building a sustainable future.” She underlined that while the South-South region is very rich in natural and human resources, its true potential could only be tapped into through inclusivity and sustainable action.
She noted that women, representing only 17 per cent of Nigeria's professionals in technology, and 22 per cent of the students in engineering and technology, was a missed opportunity for innovation. "Yet in Africa, women account for 47 per cent of STEM graduates, more than in Europe and Asia. Imagine what Nigeria could achieve by fully harnessing this potential", she said.
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She recalled that during the APWEN International Conference and Exhibition held in September 2025, hundreds of participants were present to revitalize local industries with women-led innovations in manufacturing and engineering.
Past APWEN President Dr Ini Usoro, in a keynote address, charged the students to create solutions that 'heal the earth, not harm it', adding that what the world needs is engineers who will consider people as well as projects. She reiterated that the concept of 'STEM for all' means removing barriers to full inclusion and providing equal access to children everywhere.
"A child of a small village should have the same opportunity to explore science as one from a big city", she said. "Each and every voice, idea, and perspective counts". Other schools that emerged winners at the event include Christian Secondary Commercial School, Uyo; Community Secondary Commercial School, Uyo; Goretti Girls Secondary Commercial School, Ikot Ekpene; Government Secondary School, Afaha Eket; and Saint Francis Secondary School, Eket.
