In a bold stride towards empowering the next generation of female engineers, the University of Lagos, in partnership with the Lagos Chapter of the Association of Professional Women Engineers of Nigeria (APWEN), hosted the Shenovation Hackathon 2025, a dynamic design and innovation competition for young women in engineering.
Held on Wednesday, April 30, 2025, the event also featured the commissioning of the APWENLagos Innovation & Resource Hub at the Faculty of Engineering, with the Vice-Chancellor, Professor Folasade Ogunsola, OON, FAS, leading other members of university management to inaugurate the facility.
Speaking at the commissioning, Professor Ogunsola applauded APWENLagos for aligning with UNILAG’s mission to produce graduates who are not just academically sound, but also capable of real-world problem-solving.
“What we’re commissioning today is exciting,” she said. “It speaks to where we’re going in education – grooming our students to be problem solvers. Thank you, APWENLagos, for joining the UNILAG story. You won’t be disappointed. Our students, when challenged, exceed expectations.”
Dean of the Faculty of Engineering, Professor Samson O. Adeosun, commended APWEN Lagos for its commitment to nurturing female engineers. He also charged other professional bodies and well-meaning Nigerians to give back to their Alma Mater, describing it as a “forward-looking investment in future leaders”.
The second segment of the event featured a compelling keynote address by the Pro-Chancellor of Olabisi Onabanjo University, Ago-Iwoye, Prof. Oluwatoyin Ashiru, on the theme, “From Circuit Boards to Shenovation: How Young Women Engineers Can Code, Create, Conquer — and Cash Out.” He urged young female engineers to move “from projects to patents” and to boldly turn their ideas into enterprises.
“Only 5% of Nigerian engineers are women. That must change,” he declared. “As innovators, don’t be afraid to put yourself forward. Your knowledge is an asset – monetise it!”
Adding to the inspirational momentum, the MD/Principal Consultant of Reservoir and Facilities Management Ltd, Engr. (Mrs) Oluseyi Afolabi, delivered a stirring speech as Guest Speaker.
“Your brain is the circuit board you’ve been given,” she said. “Complaints will only clutter your vision. Think solutions, not problems. Every challenge is a business idea in disguise.”
She encouraged participants to embrace their intellectual gifts with boldness, stating, “If you want to crack the code of greatness, start by making life easier for others.”
The highlight of the final segment was the awards presentation to the top six finalists of the SheNovation Hackathon, selected from over 150 entries. The top prize of Two Hundred Thousand Naira (N200, 000) went to Team Smart Material from Lagos State University, Epe Campus, whose web-based app enables construction engineers to efficiently source materials, a brilliant solution with real-world application potential.
Team Virea from Covenant University, Ota won the 2nd Place Winner prize of One Hundred and Fifty Thousand Naira (N150,000), while Team Smart CookGuard from the University of Lagos, won the 3rd Place Winner prize of One Hundred Thousand Naira (N100, 000).
Chairman of APWEN Lagos Chapter, Engr. Atinuke Wuraola Owolabi, closed the event with appreciation to all stakeholders and reaffirmed her association’s commitment to promoting female participation in engineering education across Lagos State.
With energy, innovation, and inspiration at every turn, Shenovation 2025 not only celebrated the brilliance of female engineers but also ignited a movement to make their presence and impact more visible, viable, and valuable.
Report: Isaiah Kumuyi
Photography: Islamiat Akanni
