The Lagos State chapter of the Association of Professional Women Engineers of Nigeria (APWEN) has made a significant contribution to the Lagos State University (LASU), providing solar energy solutions to empower female engineering students.
APWEN donated and installed a 1.5KVA solar system, a 1.5hp solar pump, and five solar street lights at the female Engineering student’s hostel at the Epe Campus.
Atinuke Owolabi, Chairman of APWEN Lagos Chapter, announced that this N5 million investment was aimed at combating the erratic electricity supply on campus, ensuring a 24-hour power supply for the students.
The donation comes in response to the dire conditions faced by students due to power outages lasting over a month, which also impacted water supply and security on campus.
Owolabi highlighted the importance of a stable power supply for the engineering students’ academic pursuits, especially for those in their final year, by facilitating uninterrupted study sessions and research.
Moreover, the project includes training for female engineering students on solar generation, installation, and maintenance, emphasizing renewable energy and its benefits for the campus environment.
Enhancing Academic Excellence,
APWEN’s initiative is part of a broader mission to support and inspire female engineering students, aiming to remove barriers to their academic success. By improving the learning environment and providing essential amenities, APWEN seeks to encourage more first-class graduates from engineering faculties. This gesture also aligned with efforts to promote women in engineering fields, providing them with the necessary tools and mentorship to excel.
The association has engaged with the Lagos State Commissioner for Energy and Mineral Resources, discussing the students’ plight and the potential for state government intervention through a mini-grid project for the campus. APWEN calls on NGOs, corporate organizations, and philanthropists to support similar initiatives, emphasizing the role of collective efforts in enhancing educational facilities.
The LASU management expressed gratitude for the donation, recognizing its significance in complementing the university’s efforts to provide a conducive learning environment for its students.
