In an initiative to boost female representation in the engineering sector, the Association of Professional Women Engineers of Nigeria's Bayelsa State chapter sponsored 35 students to sit for the 2026 Unified Tertiary Matriculation Examination (UTME) for free. This program aims to encourage and uplift aspiring female engineers by covering their examination costs, specifically targeting students interested in pursuing engineering at the tertiary level.

The sponsorship included the purchase of JAMB forms for the selected students, who were chosen from various local government areas within Bayelsa State. By facilitating this opportunity, APWEN hopes to stimulate interest and growth in engineering disciplines among women, which has traditionally seen low female enrollment. The move is part of a broader strategy by the association to confront gender disparities in technical fields.

As female participation in engineering remains a challenge in Nigeria, this initiative signifies crucial steps towards empowering women and increasing their representation in professions that significantly contribute to the country's development. By supporting these 35 students, APWEN is not only enhancing individual educational prospects but also working towards a more balanced and diverse engineering workforce in Nigeria.