APWEN STEM Quiz Competition Encourages Female Students in Anambra Secondary Schools.
“Who Wants to Be an Engineer?” Initiative Aims to Bridge Gender Gap in STEM Fields.
AWKA, ANAMBRA – The iNews Times | The Association of Professional Women Engineers of Nigeria (APWEN) https://apwen.org.ng, Awka Chapter, has successfully hosted a APWEN STEM Quiz Competition tagged “Who Wants to Be an Engineer?” for SS2 female students from government secondary schools in Anambra State.
The event, held at Nnamdi Azikiwe University, sought to ignite interest in Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics (STEM) among young girls while addressing the persistent underrepresentation of women in engineering professions.
In this report, we examine the key developments, reactions from stakeholders, and the broader implications.
Background of the Story
Nigeria continues to face a significant gender disparity in STEM education and careers, particularly in engineering, despite the field’s critical role in national development, infrastructure, and innovation.
APWEN, a leading advocacy group for women in engineering, has consistently championed initiatives to encourage female participation. The Awka Chapter’s latest effort honours the late past president, Engr Funmilola Ojelade, and targets students in public schools, where resources for STEM advancement are often limited. This aligns with national efforts to harness the potential of young Nigerian girls in driving technological progress.
Key Developments
Three schools from Awka South Local Government Area competed in the quiz, which tested participants on Mathematics, Biology, Physics, Chemistry, and Basic Engineering Knowledge.
Community Secondary School, Amansea emerged victorious with 14 points, followed by Nneoma Community Secondary School, Nibo with 13 points, and Community Secondary School, Mbaukwu in third place with 12 points. The winning school received N80,000, while the second and third placed schools got N50,000 and N40,000 respectively.
The competition featured a paper presentation on “Shaping the Future of Engineering” by Engr Dr Nneka Ezeani, adding intellectual depth to the event.
Reactions from Stakeholders
APWEN Awka Chapter Chairman, Engr Dr Ifenyinwa Dimson, highlighted the initiative’s importance. “We stand at a time when science, technology, and engineering are shaping every aspect of our world. Yet, the engineering field still has too few women,” she said.
She added: “This competition exists to change that narrative. Our goal is simple: to inspire our young girls to see themselves as problem-solvers, innovators, and future engineers for Anambra State and Nigeria at large.”
Dimson commended the Ministry of Education, stakeholders, the Faculty of Engineering at Nnamdi Azikiwe University, teachers, and parents for their support in nurturing the next generation of female engineers.
Implications
The APWEN STEM Quiz Competition carries strong social and educational implications in a state like Anambra, known for its entrepreneurial spirit and academic excellence. By focusing on public school girls, the programme helps level the playing field and challenges stereotypes that discourage females from technical fields.
Economically, increased female participation in engineering could drive innovation, create jobs, and contribute to Nigeria’s industrialisation goals. Socially, it promotes gender equity, builds confidence among young girls, and fosters a culture of STEM excellence from the secondary school level.
What Happens Next
APWEN Awka Chapter is expected to build on this success with more targeted interventions, including mentorship programmes, career talks, and expanded competitions across additional local government areas.
Participants and schools will likely receive ongoing support to sustain their interest in STEM. Observers anticipate similar initiatives by other professional bodies as Nigeria pushes to close its gender gap in science and technology education.
Conclusion
The APWEN STEM Quiz Competition stands as a powerful testament to the transformative impact of intentional advocacy in shaping Nigeria’s future workforce. As The iNews Times continues to champion stories of empowerment and innovation, this event underscores the urgent need to invest in young girls today to build a more inclusive and technologically advanced tomorrow for Anambra State and the nation at large.
