Trailblazing female engineers in Nigeria

In a field traditionally dominated by men, Nigerian women are making a significant impact in engineering, both within and outside the country, breaking barriers and inspiring the future generation of women. Here are some of the women, paving the way for others. Prof Christianah O. Ijagbemi is a pioneer in clean energy and environmental engineering. […]

In a field traditionally dominated by men, Nigerian women are making a significant impact in engineering, both within and outside the country, breaking barriers and inspiring the future generation of women. Here are some of the women, paving the way for others.

Prof Christianah O. Ijagbemi is a pioneer in clean energy and environmental engineering. As the first female engineering professor in the Federal University of Technology, Akure (FUTA) Ondo State, and the southwestern region, she is breaking ground and inspiring change. Her research focuses on engineering design and process optimisation to combat climate change. As the Director of the Centre for Gender Issues in Science and Technology, she champions gender equality in  Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics.

Prof Ongoebi Maureen Orubide Etebu’s legacy is etched in the annals of Nigerian engineering. She is reportedly the country’s first female Professor of Mechanical Engineering, with three PhDs and four master’s degrees. She embodies academic excellence and her influence extends beyond the academia, encompassing significant public service roles. She was instrumental in developing the Niger Delta University campus and served as the pioneer Vice-Chancellor of the Nigeria Maritime University. Currently, she is the chairman of, the Governing Council, Federal Polytechnic, Ado-Ekiti, Ekiti State.

Prof Umma Abdullahi had achieved a historic milestone by becoming the first female Professor of Mechanical Engineering in northern Nigeria at Bayero University, Kano (BUK). Her contributions to engineering education and research have paved the way for future generations of women in the region. She serves as a powerful inspiration for young women, encouraging them to pursue STEM fields.

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Prof Umma began her career as a lecturer at the Kano University of Science and Technology, Wudil, where she served from 2007 to 2017. She later moved to the Ahmadu Bello University, Zaria, where she taught from 2017 to 2022. Currently, she is a faculty member at the Bayero University, Kano, where she has continued to inspire the next generation of engineers.

Mayen Modupeola Adetiba’s professional achievements are numerous. She is the Principal Partner of Delkem Associates, a consulting engineering firm, and the chairman/Managing Director of Mayad Limited. She has served as the first female president of the Association of Consulting Engineering in Nigeria (ACEN) and the first female president of GAMA, the Africa Region body of the International Consulting Engineers (FIDIC).

Her contributions to the engineering profession have been recognised with several awards, including the “Presidential Merit Award” from the Nigerian Society of Engineers (NSE) and the “Award of Excellence” from various institutions. 

Aishatu Aliyu Umar rose to prominence as a leading figure in Nigerian civil engineering. She is the continental representative for Africa in the World Council of Civil Engineers (WCCE), advocating the growth and recognition of African civil engineers.

In 2019, she became the 16th national chairperson of the Nigerian Institution of Civil Engineers (NICE).

She is a fellow of both the Nigerian Society of Engineers (FNSE) and the Nigerian Institution of Civil Engineers (FNICE), showing a very high level of professional recognition.

Dr Valerie Ifueko Agberagba’s career spans over three decades, revealing a relentless pursuit of excellence and a commitment to the engineering profession.

Her professional path has seen her take on pivotal roles in prestigious organisations such as the Federal Capital Development Authority (FCDA), the Presidential Task Force on Power and the Niger Delta Power Holding Company (NDPHC). Agberagba’s vision led to her appointment as Senior Technical Adviser and later as General Manager of Renewable Energy.

Agberagba has represented Africa on the global stage as Vice president of the World Federation of Engineering Organisations (WFEO). As a past president of the Association of Professional Women Engineers of Nigeria (APWEN), she has championed gender diversity and empowerment in engineering.

She has received numerous accolades, including the award for initiating the African Women in Engineering Forum and the “Pillar of Girl-Child STEM Education” award by APWEN.

Hauwa Muhammed Sadique has distinguished herself through her dedication to both engineering and the empowerment of women in the field.

Highlights of Hauwa’s career included her being posted to the engineering department of the Federal Ministry of Agriculture and Water Resources, where she rose through the ranks to become the chief engineer in the Dams and Reservoir Operations Department in Kano.

Hauwa is also a member of several professional organisations, including the Nigerian Society of Engineers, the Society of Women Engineers, the National Institute of Cost and Appraise Engineers, and the Council for the Regulation of Engineering in Nigeria.

Idiat Aderemi Amusu has carved a remarkable path in the field of agricultural engineering. As Nigeria’s first female agricultural engineer, Amusu’s career portrays her pioneering spirit and dedication to advancing engineering in the country.

She is the first female graduate of Agricultural Engineering in Nigeria and reportedly the first female member of the Council for the Regulation of Engineering in Nigeria (COREN). She is also a founding member of the Association of Professional Women Engineers of Nigeria (APWEN), where she served as the fourth president.

Dr Ozak Esu is an award-winning electrical engineer and a passionate advocate for diversity in Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics.

Dr Ozak Esu’s journey from a Nigerian childhood plagued by power outages to a celebrated UK-based engineer is a proof to the power of vision. Her work focuses on developing sustainable energy solutions, a critical need for Nigeria’s growth. Beyond her technical expertise, she is an advocate for diversity in STEM, working to dismantle the barriers that keep women from pursuing engineering careers. Her accolades, including recognition as the Institution of Engineering and Technology’s Young Woman Engineer of the Year Award in 2017 underscored her contributions.

Deborah Danladi is a young female chemical engineer who graduated from the University of Maiduguri. In line with her passion for change and impact, Ms Danladi joined Lafarge Africa Plc, Ashaka Cement in Gombe State as the first female engineer to work in the plant. In a Facebook video, where Ms Danladi spoke of her passion, she encouraged young girls to be determined and hard-working as nothing can stop them from achieving their dreams.