At the just-concluded Lagos Summit of the Association of Professional Women Engineers of Nigeria (APWEN), experts and industry leaders stressed the importance of green practices and intergenerational mentorship in shaping the future of engineering in Nigeria.
One of the guest speakers, Mrs. Bimbola Dada, an electrical engineer, highlighted that adopting sustainable engineering solutions is not only necessary for protecting the environment but also for ensuring long-term resilience in communities and businesses. Speaking during a virtual session themed “Engineering Legacies: Bridging Generations, Building the Future”, she urged Nigerian engineers to think beyond short-term projects and embrace designs that can stand the test of time.
According to her, engineers must integrate eco-friendly materials, renewable energy, and sustainable building designs that can withstand environmental challenges such as flooding, rising temperatures, and energy shortages. She added that by doing so, engineers can safeguard both the environment and the livelihood of millions of Nigerians.
Dada also called for locally driven solutions, stressing that when communities participate in engineering projects, it not only addresses their unique needs but also strengthens local expertise and builds industry capacity. She explained that Nigeria’s development will benefit more from homegrown talent and innovations, rather than depending entirely on imported technologies.
On mentorship and knowledge transfer, she emphasized the importance of bridging the gap between older and younger engineers. She recommended pairing seasoned professionals with emerging engineers on projects, which would allow for skill transfer, innovation, and mutual respect. In her view, such collaboration builds continuity and strengthens the profession for future generations.
She also encouraged APWEN and other professional bodies to organize more dialogues, workshops, and panel discussions that provide platforms for exchanging ideas between generations of engineers. “When both generations learn from each other, they discover fresh perspectives that can lead to lasting innovations,” she said.
Meanwhile, Mrs. Atinuke Owolabi, Chairman of APWEN Lagos, used the summit to encourage young engineers to seek mentorship and commit themselves to excellence in their profession. She said young professionals should not be afraid to ask questions, reach out to mentors, and remain disciplined in their work.
Addressing older engineers, Owolabi called on them to remain intentional about guiding the younger generation. She said their experience, stories, and sacrifices are valuable legacies that must serve as a compass for the next wave of Nigerian engineers.
According to her, mentorship is not only about offering advice but also about opening doors of opportunity and creating pathways for the younger generation to excel. She reminded participants that engineering is not just about technical knowledge, but also about values such as integrity, innovation, and service to humanity.
“Our theme is a powerful reminder that our stories, innovations, and sacrifices are the foundation for the next wave of leaders,” Owolabi said. “We are here to learn from those who paved the way, to mentor those following in our footsteps, and to reaffirm our commitment to excellence in engineering practice and leadership.”
The summit featured contributions from keynote speaker, Mrs. Christy Adelowo, guest speaker Mrs. Abimbola Dada, and moderator, Mrs. Seyi Afolabi. Their collective message centered on the importance of innovation, collaboration, and sustainability in securing the future of engineering in Nigeria.
Participants agreed that the engineering profession must continue to adapt to modern challenges such as climate change, rapid urbanization, and technological disruption. They also stressed the need for more women to take up roles in engineering, as diversity in the profession would strengthen problem-solving and foster creativity.
As Nigeria continues its push towards sustainable infrastructure and green energy, experts believe forums like the APWEN Lagos Summit provide a platform for shaping new policies, strengthening networks, and inspiring the next generation of engineers to lead with vision and responsibility.
