The Association of Professional Women Engineers of Nigeria (APWEN), has called on the Nigerian government and all stakeholders to empower Girl-Child in Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics (STEM) in the country.
Dr Adebisi Osim, the National President of APWEN, made the call in Bauchi on Sunday, during the 2025 APWEN, Bauchi state chapter’s public lectures and inauguration of new executives.
According to her, when a girl child is empowered in STEM, the country would not only be creating an engineer or a scientist, but also creating a problem solver and an innovator who might design drought-resistant crops to solve food insecurity.
Represented Engr. Esther Ago, the North Central Coordinator of APWEN, Osim said that this Girl-Child would develop sustainable water purification systems for the rural communities, build intelligent systems to manage traffic in the growing cities among others.
“We live in a world shaped by technology. From the smartphones in our hands to the complex infrastructure that powers our cities, STEM is the language of the future.
“To exclude women from this conversation is to silence half of the world’s intellect, creativity, and problem-solving potential. It is to fly a plane with only one wing.
“To our leaders and policymakers, we urge you to continue to champion policies that make STEM education accessible, attractive to girls, invest in laboratories, sponsor scholarships, and celebrate female tech champions,” she said.
“Empowering the girl child in STEM is not a charitable act, it’s a strategic imperative for Nigeria’s technological advancement and economic prosperity. It is the surest path to building a future that is innovative, inclusive, and sustainable,” she said.
Earlier speaking, Engr. Mercy Asabe, immediate past Chairperson, APWEN Bauchi, said the lectures would provide valuable opportunities for them to engage with important ideas, spark meaningful discussions, and foster a deeper understanding of STEM and Artificial Intelligence.
“I am confident that the insights shared today will inspire, educate and challenge us to think critically on global issues,” she said.
Engr. Nafisatu Abubakar, the newly elected Chairperson, APWEN Bauchi chapter who spoke on behalf of others, said their mission was to inspire and mentor the girl-child to embrace STEM.
She added that they would show them that engineering was not a field reserved for men alone, but a platform where women could thrive, innovate, and lead.
“Our mission is also to strengthen professional support for women engineers, ensuring that our members have the opportunities, training, and networks to excel in their careers.
“It’s also to collaborate with government, academia, and industry, building partnerships that will break barriers, create opportunities, and drive sustainable development,” she said.
Abubakar affirmed that APWEN Bauchi Chapter remained committed to being a catalyst for change, promising to reach schools, engage communities, mentor, empower girls with the confidence to dream, and lead by example.
