BUILDING SKILLS, LEADERSHIP, AND QUALITY MANAGEMENT EXPERTISE ACROSS AFRICAN INDUSTRIES
Lagos, Nigeria
The African Technology and Innovation Institutes (ATII) is championing women in Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics (STEM) in Nigeria and across Africa through its ISO Excellence Training, a programme designed to build skills in quality management systems, operational excellence, and leadership development. By encouraging women professionals to participate in such high-level technical training, ATII reinforces its commitment to capacity building, professional development, and inclusive innovation.
The ISO Excellence for Industries Training at ATII equips participants with practical expertise in quality management systems (QMS), occupational health and safety (OHS), and organisational efficiency. Beyond technical knowledge, the programme emphasizes the importance of women’s perspectives in operational decision-making, collaboration, and innovative problem-solving, all critical components for organisational excellence and sustainable growth.
Professor Rose‑Margaret Ekeng‑Itua, Founder of ATII and globally recognised STEM pioneer, highlighted the impact of women in professional and technical spaces.
“Women bring creativity, human-centred insights, and collaborative leadership to every table especially in standards and organisational excellence. Their participation strengthens outcomes and fosters inclusive growth,” she said.
Prof. Ekeng‑Itua, the first Black woman in the world to earn a Ph.D. in Cybernetics, has long advocated for women’s leadership in STEM, ensuring that ISO and other professional standards are accessible tools for empowerment.
The session also featured strong participation from the Association of Professional Women Engineers of Nigeria (APWEN), with APWEN members attending in significant numbers. Their presence reinforced the growing commitment of women engineers to continuous professional development, technical excellence, and the practical application of ISO standards across industries. This strong turnout aligned closely with ATII’s objective of creating inclusive learning environments where women are actively represented in technical and leadership conversations.
Speaking on the importance of women’s participation in ISO and technical training was Engr. Chinyere Nnenna Igwegbe (FNSE), the 19th and current President of APWEN, who was newly inaugurated in February 2026. A distinguished civil engineer, Engr. Igwegbe emphasised that women’s involvement in structured professional training strengthens workforce innovation, organisational performance, and national development outcomes, particularly in sectors where quality, safety, and sustainability are critical.
Under her leadership, APWEN is prioritizing research, development, and innovation to address pressing national challenges such as energy sustainability, climate adaptation, and infrastructure development. Her administration is also expanding STEM advocacy initiatives for girls and young women, deepening industry collaboration, and supporting emerging engineers through structured programmes, including robotics and technology-focused initiatives for school girls, values that strongly mirror ATII’s commitment to long-term capacity building and inclusive innovation.
“Inclusive engagement in professional development initiatives like ISO Excellence Training is key to building resilient systems and expanding opportunities for women engineers,” Engr. Igwegbe stated.
Women professionals from multiple sectors also attended the training, sharing insights and practical strategies for implementing quality management systems and ISO best practices within their organisations. The diversity of perspectives enriched discussions and reinforced the importance of collaborative learning, a core principle of ATII’s training philosophy.
Anchoring this commitment is the vision of Professor Rose‑Margaret Ekeng‑Itua, founder of the African Technology and Innovation Institutes, whose leadership continues to shape ATII’s focus on inclusive professional development and capacity building. A globally recognized STEM pioneer, Prof. Ekeng-Itua has consistently advocated for the intentional inclusion of women in technical and leadership spaces, particularly within standards-driven and innovation-focused industries.
Through ATII’s programmes, including the ISO Excellence Training, Prof. Ekeng-Itua’s vision is translated into action by ensuring that women in STEM and other professionals can access the tools, frameworks, and opportunities necessary for leadership and industry impact. Her approach emphasizes not only technical competence but also confidence, visibility, and long-term relevance in an evolving global workforce.
Why Women in STEM Matter in ISO Training
Under Prof. Rose-Margaret Ekeng-Itua’s leadership, ATII reinforces the understanding that increasing the presence of women in technical leadership and ISO-focused training is not merely a representation goal but a strategic imperative. Women bring perspectives that strengthen decision-making, enhance risk management, and foster sustainable organisational cultures. By embedding these principles into its ISO Excellence Training,
Read more about ATII’s ISO Excellence Training: https://afritechi2.com/iso-excellence-executive-training/
About the African Technology and Innovation Institutes (ATII):
The African Technology and Innovation Institutes (ATII) is a leading knowledge transfer and technological research support centre in Africa. ATII delivers ISO training, technical skills development, capacity building, and professional development programmes to empower organisations and professionals to thrive in the Fourth Industrial Revolution. By prioritizing inclusivity and innovation.
ATII ensures that women in STEM and other professionals can access the tools, frameworks, and opportunities necessary for leadership and industry impact.
ATII continues to position women as central contributors to organisational excellence, innovation, and Africa’s development agenda.
