The Association of Professional Women Engineers of Nigeria (APWEN) has charged engineers to rethink their approach to practice by leveraging cutting-edge technologies such as artificial intelligence, green energy solutions, and sustainable construction practices to drive impactful change in the society.
APWEN President, Dr Adebisi Osim, gave the charge at this year’s World Engineering Day themed: “Unleashing the Power of Engineers to Advocate the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs)” organised by APWEN in Rivers State.
She explained that the day is not just a commemoration; but a call to action and reminds professionals of the indispensable role of engineers in shaping a world that is sustainable, inclusive and technologically advanced.
Osim, a civil engineer, observed that engineering is the foundation of human progress, stressing that as practitioners strive towards the SDGs, they must recognise the immense responsibility before them.
“The SDGs challenge us to address some of the world’s most pressing issues—poverty, climate change, clean water, affordable energy, and resilient infrastructure. Engineers are at the heart of providing solutions. From designing smart cities to developing renewable energy sources and innovating in healthcare and agriculture, our profession holds the key to a better future.
“In Nigeria, we face unique challenges – energy security, climate adaptation, infrastructural deficits, and digital transformation. However, these challenges present opportunities for engineering ingenuity,” Osim said.
According to her, APWEN is committed to ensuring that women engineers play a leading role in this transformation, noting that diversity in engineering leads to diverse solutions.
She said: “Women bring unique perspectives, creativity, and problem-solving skills that are crucial in designing sustainable systems. This is why Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics (STEM) for All is not just a slogan but a movement -one that seeks to empower young girls, as well as boys, mentor future engineers, and dismantle barriers to inclusivity in our profession.
“We cannot drive sustainable development alone. Public-private partnerships, academia, policymakers, and industry leaders must work together to create an enabling environment for engineering solutions. Governments must support research and innovation, while industries must embrace sustainable practices.”
Osim said professional engineers must also advocate for ethical engineering practices that prioritise environmental sustainability, social impact, and economic growth.
The APWEN president appealed to female engineers to promote STEM education and inspire the next generation of engineers, particularly young women, to drive innovation in sustainable solutions that address local and global challenges.
For her, advocating policies that enhance engineering contributions to national development, mentoring and empowering young engineers to be change-makers in their communities.
