The Association of Professional Women Engineers of Nigeria (APWEN), Lagos State chapter, hosted a free STEM holiday camp for girls in the Makoko community on Friday, aiming to spark interest in science, technology, engineering, and mathematics among young girls.
Dedicated to honoring former APWEN president Dr. Felicia Agubata, the initiative sought to motivate girls’ engagement with STEM fields early in life. APWEN Lagos State Chairman, Dr. Atinuke Owolabi, emphasized that the camp was designed to ignite curiosity and foster a passion for STEM subjects among girls aged six to twelve—a critical developmental stage.
Celebrating World Humanitarian Day, the event also served as a platform for APWEN to empower the next generation of female innovators and problem solvers. “The focus is on girls aged six to twelve, a crucial stage where curiosity is high and proper guidance can ignite a lifelong passion,” she said.
Through engaging activities such as fun experiments, STEM games, drawing, and quizzes, the camp aimed to deepen participants’ enthusiasm for science and engineering. Dr. Owolabi reaffirmed that science and technology are essential tools for nation-building and stressed the importance of collective efforts from the government, the private sector, community leaders, and families to support girl-child education and empowerment.
She commended APWEN partners, volunteers, and the STEM Committee for their dedication, encouraging the girls to remain bold, curious, and confident in pursuing their dreams. Dr. Agubata, in her remarks, urged the girls to stay determined, sharing her own story of overcoming rural beginnings in Anambra State through faith and education.
She highlighted that her rural background was no barrier to success, asserting that discipline and perseverance can unlock opportunities for all. “Education enabled me to travel the world and achieve financial independence,” she said. Dr. Agubata encouraged participants to cultivate virtues like obedience, honesty, and respect, emphasizing that STEM is a key driver of economic growth and urging them not to let environmental circumstances limit their ambitions.
In a touching gesture, Dr. Agubata awarded a scholarship to Adijat Ajeigbe, an out-of-school girl with a deaf and mute mother, covering her education from primary school through university. Ajeigbe expressed that the scholarship renewed her hope and strengthened her resolve to pursue her dreams despite her hardships.
Facilitator Gbemisola Lanre-Shobona led the children through basic engineering experiments, including a volcano eruption demonstration with vinegar and baking soda, alongside lessons in electronics and magnetism. The event featured career talks, STEM games, drawing contests, and scholarships for disadvantaged girls, all designed to inspire interest in engineering.
Baale of Makoko, Akeem Adesina, praised APWEN for bringing the camp to the community and pledged ongoing support to guide children toward engineering careers. He described Makoko as a peaceful and transparent community and emphasized the importance of continued collaboration with APWEN to empower the youth.
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