By Uzo Ugwunze
The Association of Professional Women Engineers of Nigeria (APWEN), Awka Chapter, on June 26, organised a STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics) quiz competition for SS2 female students in public secondary schools in Anambra State.
The competition, titled “Who Wants to Be an Engineer?”, was held at Nnamdi Azikiwe University, Awka, and featured three selected schools from Awka South Local Government Area. Participants were tested in Mathematics, Biology, Physics, Chemistry and Basic Engineering Knowledge.
Community Secondary School, Amansea, emerged winner with 14 points, while Nneoma Community Secondary School, Nibo, and Community Secondary School, Mbaukwu, came second and third with 13 and 12 points respectively.
Announcing the results, the Quiz Master, Engr. Victor Mbachu, said the winning school received ₦80,000, while the second and third placed schools received ₦50,000 and ₦40,000 respectively.
The Chairman of APWEN, Awka Chapter, Engr. Ifeyinwa Dimson, said the competition, organised in honour of the late past APWEN President, Engr. Funmilola Ojelade, was aimed at encouraging more girls to pursue engineering careers and helping to bridge the gender gap in the profession.
She noted that engineering is shaping every aspect of the world and expressed confidence that the initiative would inspire young girls to become problem solvers, innovators and future engineers.
Earlier, the resource person, Engr. Nneka Ezeani, in a presentation titled “Shaping the Future of Engineering,” said the competition was designed to increase students’ interest in engineering related subjects, particularly Physics, Chemistry and Mathematics.
Uzo Ugwunze is of the Ministry of Information and Value Reformation, Anambra State
