The President of the Nigerian Society of Engineers (NSE), Mrs. Margaret Oguntala, has said that placing more women in leadership positions will accelerate Africa’s development, just as she called for capacity building among female professionals, especially in engineering.
Speaking as a panelist at the 7th African Women Engineers Forum 2024 in Angola, held during the 10th UNESCO Africa Engineering Week and 8th Africa Engineering Conference, Oguntala shared her inspiring journey as the first female president of the NSE. She detailed the obstacles she faced in a male-dominated field, emphasizing that her success was built on resilience, mentorship, and a commitment to professional excellence.
“I knew I had to be twice as good to be considered equal, and I focused on continuous learning, skill development, and building strategic relationships,” Oguntala said, highlighting the challenges and stereotypes she overcame on her path to leadership.
During the panel, Oguntala emphasized the importance of capacity development and gender inclusivity in the engineering profession. She shared her vision for the future of the industry, stressing that female engineers must be given the tools and opportunities to lead. “I believe that capacity development is key to creating future leaders. Through various NSE initiatives, we have ensured that young professionals, especially women, are given the tools and opportunities to succeed,” she added.
In a related development, Oguntala also inaugurated a groundbreaking training program on Data Analytics and Software Development aimed at equipping young engineers with vital digital skills. She noted that 279 applicants were selected from over 400 for the program, which is designed to help participants tackle real-world engineering challenges using cutting-edge technology.
Delivering a keynote at the event, Oguntala reaffirmed the NSE’s commitment to fostering technological advancement and innovation within Nigeria’s engineering sector. “Under my leadership, the NSE will continue to champion research, support startups, and advocate for engineering solutions that address the unique challenges facing our nation. We aim to position Nigeria as a hub for engineering excellence. By embracing innovation, we will ensure that our engineers remain competitive in this increasingly digital age,” she said.
The UNESCO forum, themed “Empowering Women in Building a Sustainable African Future,” brought together engineers from across Africa to explore innovative solutions for infrastructure development, economic integration, and sustainability, with a strong focus on advancing women’s leadership in engineering.