The University of Lagos, in partnership with the Lagos Chapter of the Association of Professional Women Engineers of Nigeria (APWEN), has hosted the Shenovation Hackathon 2025, a design and innovation competition promoting young female engineers.
The event, held on Wednesday, April 30, 2025, also featured the commissioning of the APWENLagos Innovation & Resource Hub at the Faculty of Engineering, with the Vice-Chancellor, Professor Folasade Ogunsola, OON, FAS, leading other members of university management to open the new facility.
At the commissioning, Prof. Ogunsola commended APWEN Lagos for supporting the university’s vision of raising practical and impactful graduates.
“What we are commissioning today is exciting,” she said. “It speaks to where we are going in education – grooming our students to be problem solvers. Thank you, APWENLagos, for joining the UNILAG story. You will not be disappointed. Our students, when challenged, exceed expectations.”
Also speaking, the Dean of the Faculty of Engineering, Prof. Samson O. Adeosun, appreciated APWEN Lagos for investing in the future of young women in engineering. He encouraged other professional bodies and Nigerians to support their former schools.
He described it as a “forward-looking investment in future leaders.”
The second part of the event featured a keynote address by the Pro-Chancellor of Olabisi Onabanjo University, Ago-Iwoye, Prof. Oluwatoyin Ashiru, who spoke on the theme “From Circuit Boards to Shenovation: How Young Women Engineers Can Code, Create, Conquer — and Cash Out.”
“Only 5% of Nigerian engineers are women. That must change,” he declared. “As innovators, do not be afraid to put yourself forward. Your knowledge is an asset – monetise it!”
Guest Speaker, Engr. (Mrs) Oluseyi Afolabi, MD/Principal Consultant of Reservoir and Facilities Management Ltd, also encouraged participants with a message of self-belief and innovation.
“Your brain is the circuit board you’ve been given,” she said. “Complaints will only clutter your vision. Think solutions, not problems. Every challenge is a business idea in disguise.”
“If you want to crack the code of greatness, start by making life easier for others,” she added.
The event ended with the presentation of awards to the top six teams from the hackathon, selected from over 150 entries.
Team Smart Material from Lagos State University, Epe Campus, won the top prize of N200,000 for their web-based app that helps construction engineers find materials more easily.
Team Virea from Covenant University came second, winning N150,000, while Team Smart CookGuard from UNILAG took the third prize of N100,000.
Closing the event, Chairman of APWEN Lagos Chapter, Engr. Atinuke Wuraola Owolabi thanked all stakeholders and pledged continued support for women in engineering.
She reaffirmed APWEN’s commitment to “promoting female participation in engineering education across Lagos State.”
With energy, innovation and inspiration, the Shenovation 2025 event has again shown that young Nigerian women are ready to lead in engineering and technology.
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