UNIDEL VC Receives Leadership Award, Urges Women to Break Barriers in Engineering

The Vice-Chancellor of the University of Delta, Agbor, Stella Chinye Chiemeke, has called on women to intensify efforts in breaking professional barriers and shaping the future of engineering, following her recognition with an outstanding leadership award.

She made the call in Asaba, Delta State, during the inauguration of the executive council of the Association of Professional Women Engineers, Asaba Chapter, alongside a public lecture marking the 2026 International Women's Day.

Represented by the Deputy Vice-Chancellor, Patrick Ijeh, the Vice-Chancellor emphasised the need for women to take on more visible leadership roles, inspire younger generations, and actively contribute to building a more inclusive and innovation-driven engineering sector in Nigeria.

The award, presented in recognition of her contributions to advancing inclusion, mentorship, and leadership development, was described by the Vice-Chancellor as a reflection of the collective progress of women in engineering and leadership, rather than a personal milestone.

Delivering the keynote address, Oduware Okosun, warned against the persistent loss of female talent in the engineering sector, noting that Nigeria risks limiting its development potential if women remain underrepresented. She urged female professionals to assert their relevance, overcome systemic barriers, and take on mentorship roles to support emerging talents.

In her remarks, the newly inaugurated Chairperson of the Asaba Chapter, Stella Emecheta, outlined a strategic agenda focused on scholarships for indigent engineering students, the creation of safe and enabling environments for female professionals, and the establishment of a permanent secretariat for the association in Asaba.

The event also featured the swearing-in of the new executive council and the inauguration of the 2026/2027 UNIDEL Collegiate Chapter of APWEN, signalling a renewed institutional push to strengthen the pipeline of female engineers.

Dignitaries at the ceremony included the Delta State Commissioner for Higher Education, Nyerovwo Johnbull Tonukari, the Obi of Issele-Uku, Nduka Ezeagwuna, members of the Nigerian Society of Engineers, and senior officials from UNIDEL, reflecting broad stakeholder support for gender inclusion and leadership advancement in the engineering profession.