APWEN Ogbomoso Chapter Inaugurates Professor Funmilayo Osuolale as New Chairman
The Association of Professional Women Engineers of Nigeria (APWEN), Ogbomoso Chapter, has officially inaugurated Engr. Prof. Funmilayo Nihinlola Osuolale as its fourth chairman. The ceremony, held on Tuesday, March 31, at Ladoke Akintola University of Technology (LAUTECH) in Oyo State, marked a significant milestone in promoting women's leadership within the engineering sector in Nigeria.
Ceremony Highlights Women's Achievements and Future Goals
The event celebrated the achievements of women engineers and featured the swearing-in of a new executive team for the 2025–2027 tenure. In her welcome address, the outgoing chairman, Engr. Prof. T.B. Onifade, described the occasion as a historic moment aimed at ushering in new leadership while honoring women of vision, courage, and commitment. She expressed pride in the chapter's growth since its establishment on April 10, 2019, noting that the new leadership signals a fresh era of greater impact and influence.
APWEN President, Engr. Chinyere Nnenna Igwegbe, who chaired the event, commended the outgoing executives for their accomplishments and praised the Ogbomoso chapter for its dedication to expanding membership and strengthening its role in the engineering community.
Keynote Speech Emphasizes Digital Integration in Engineering Education
Delivering the keynote lecture titled 'Transforming Professional Education through Blended Learning,' Prof. Tayo Arulogun, Vice-Chancellor of Miva Open University in Abuja, emphasized the critical importance of integrating digital tools with traditional engineering education. He highlighted the role of virtual laboratories, remote collaboration, and continuous professional development in preparing engineers for global competitiveness.
"The future we are thinking we are going into is already here," Prof. Arulogun stated, while stressing the need to create more opportunities for women in engineering to thrive in this evolving landscape.
Osuolale's Inaugural Address Focuses on Empowering Women and Girls
In her inaugural address, Prof. Osuolale expressed gratitude for the confidence placed in her leadership and pledged to build on the achievements of her predecessors. She reiterated APWEN's vision of advancing women in engineering for national and global technological development, with a strong focus on encouraging young girls to pursue engineering careers.
"We must reach the girl child before society tells her that Mathematics is tough," Prof. Osuolale told attendees, highlighting the importance of early intervention to break societal stereotypes around subjects like mathematics and science.
Notable Attendees and New Executive Team
The event was attended by notable personalities, including the Vice-Chancellor of LAUTECH Ogbomoso, Prof. Olatunde Rom Kalilu, as well as APWEN national executives and other stakeholders. The newly inaugurated executive team includes:
- Engr. Prof. R.A. Olaoye (Vice Chairman)
- Engr. Prof. M.O. Aremu (General Secretary)
- Engr. O.M. Ajayi (Assistant General Secretary)
- Engr. C.F. James (Treasurer)
- Engr. Dr. O.D. Akinwumi (Publicity Secretary)
- Engr. Dr. A.A. Sulayman (Technical Secretary)
Other members such as Engr. Abiola A.O. as Assistant Technical Secretary and Engr. Dr. Popoola A.O. as Welfare/Assistant PRO were also sworn in, underscoring APWEN's commitment to a diverse and capable leadership structure.
Call to Action for Women in Engineering
Speaking as the Mother of the Day, Abosede Elegbede encouraged women to be bold and intentional in their pursuits, urging them not just to adapt to change but to shape it. "The room does not define your worth; your courage does," she said, calling on women to lead, inspire, and transform their fields.
The ceremony concluded with a renewed emphasis on APWEN's mission to empower women engineers and promote inclusive participation in Nigeria's technological advancement, setting a positive trajectory for the future of engineering in the region.
