A Professor of Metallurgical and Materials Engineering at the Federal University of Technology Akure (FUTA) Oluwatoyin Olaseinde-Adegboyegun has advocated for greater inclusion of qualified women Engineers in leadership and decision-making spaces in engineering, infrastructure, technology, energy, and environment. She made the call after her inauguration as the Chairman of the Akure Chapter of the The Association of Professional Women Engineers of Nigeria, APWEN, a division of the Nigerian Society of Engineers (NSE) on Friday August 21,2026.
Olaseinde-Adegboyegun stressed that women Engineers have the competence, experience, and capacity to deliver and called for better inclusivity for women in the scheme of things in all aspects of Engineering.She also charged members of the Chapter to focus on solving societal problems, improving lives, and leaving a lasting legacy through their work.
While outlining her vision around advocacy, innovation, and community impact, the new chairman announced key initiatives including the “Engineering and You” program to develop student ideas into prototypes during APWEN Week in October, and the School Water Access Initiative to provide six boreholes across the state. She noted that one borehole had already been commissioned at Idanre High School, with five more planned in partnership with stakeholders. She also launched the Female Engineering Scholarship and Mentoring Program and appealed for support for members to attend the APWEN National Conference in September. She called for unity and urged all members to move “from membership to meaningful participation and from participation to measurable impact.” She appreciated government partners, stakeholders, and the NSE, and prayed for God’s help in achieving the goals of her administration.
The National President APWEN and Chairman of the Occasion, Engr. Chinyere Igwegbe described the inauguration as a reaffirmation of APWEN’s commitment to excellence and the advancement of women in Engineering. Speaking on the theme of the day, she noted that the future of Engineering depends on innovation, sustainability, and inclusive leadership.
She stressed the need for women to take leading roles in decision-making and for strategic partnerships to unlock opportunities in research, funding, and policy. She referenced APWEN’s national programs including the She Build Initiative and charged the new executive to build a chapter recognized for excellence and community impact. She urged members to strengthen their competence, mentor young girls, and deepen collaboration with government and industry.
In a Lecture at the occasion, Engr. Atinuke Owolabi, Member, North Central Development Commission represented by Chairman, Nigerian Institute of Electrical and Electronic Engineers, NIEEE, Engr. Adeyemi Adeyonu spoke on the theme of the day titled “Engineering Inclusive Futures: Advancing Women’s Careers through Leadership, Innovation and Strategic Partnerships,” and stated that achieving an inclusive future means moving beyond just increasing numbers, because numbers alone does not translate to solutions in society. She noted that APWEN has grown from six women over 40 years ago to a global platform where women excel and make impact. She commended APWEN for mentoring young ones and challenged members to move beyond mentorship to sponsorship, especially of young women in science and engineering at the university level.
She urged academics to be intentional about producing more female professors and leaders in APWEN in the coming years.
In an Address by the 7th and Immediate Past Chairman, APWEN Akure Chapter, Engr. Adenike Obakoyowa appreciated members for their support during her tenure and highlighted achievements in professional development, mentorship, and community outreach that strengthened the chapter and inspired the next generation of female engineers. She pledged full support to the new chairman and urged members to give her the same cooperation to enable the chapter achieve greater milestones.
In a goodwill message the Vice-Chancellor of FUTA, Professor Adenike Oladiji represented by The Dean School of Basic Medical Science (SBMS), Professor Funmilola Omoya, congratulated Professor Olaseinde-Adegboyegun on her inauguration, describing her as a person of passion and zeal for Engineering. She noted that having contributed greatly to the development of organizations and committees where she has served, she was confident that her tenure would witness great success.