Mathematics is not hard; we must encourage more girls — Prof. Osuolale

…Says More Women Engineers Are Needed

By Femi Bolaji

Jalingo — The Chairman of the Association of Professional Women Engineers in Nigeria (APWEN), Ogbomoso Chapter, Engr. Prof. Funmilayo Osuolale, has urged the public to encourage girls to pursue careers in science and engineering, stressing that the perception of mathematics and engineering as “too difficult” for girls is outdated and must be challenged.

Speaking during her inauguration as the fourth Chairman of the Ogbomoso Chapter, Prof. Osuolale said:

“Our first objective is to continuously increase awareness that engineering is a career for girls. We need to reach the girl child before society tells her that mathematics is ‘too hard’ or that engineering helmets don’t come in her size.”

Under her leadership, APWEN plans to visit secondary schools to spark interest in engineering through hands-on labs, scholarship initiatives, and career talks, showcasing the opportunities available in STEM fields.

Prof. Osuolale also announced the introduction of engineering boot camps for girls and pledged donations of laboratory equipment to strengthen STEM education.

She thanked chapter members for their trust in her leadership and encouraged them to support the new executives with innovative ideas to advance their shared vision.

The President of APWEN, Engr. Chinyere Igwegbe, FNSE, praised the Ogbomoso Chapter for its vision and dedication, commending outgoing executives and urging the new leadership to build on their achievements.

At the event, Prof. Tayo Arulogun, Vice-Chancellor of Miva Open University, delivered a keynote titled “Transforming Professional Education through Blended Learning,” emphasizing the importance of professional women engineers and the integration of digital learning with traditional engineering education.

Also speaking, Abosede Elegbede encouraged women to actively shape the future, noting that when women rise with purpose, industries transform and nations develop.