Oguntala commended the organizers for the superb planning and publicity that hyped the event across Africa and brought over 4000 engineers together, emphasizing the significance of engineering in the new world.She reitareted her approval of the conference theme,anticipating that the resulting communique would contribute significantly to Kenya's development.
Oguntala highlighted the underrepresentation of African women in engineering, citing that in Nigeria, women constitute 15 to 18 percent of the engineering workforce. However, she noted a positive trend within the Council of Nigeria, where a growing number of women are actively involved. Notably, she shared an exciting announcement, stating that come January, Nigeria is poised to have a female president leading the Council.
Drawing attention to the global effort to include more women in engineering, Oguntala stressed the importance of encouraging and supporting women in the field. She emphasized that the presence of women brings a breath of fresh ideas, making it a focal point for the engineering community.
Comparing statistics, Oguntala pointed out that Nigeria has a significant number of female engineers, attributing this to the country's large population. As the conference unfolds, it serves as a platform not only for discussing engineering advancements but also for promoting inclusivity and diversity in the profession.
