WACT-APM Terminals Nigeria has celebrated the graduation of the pioneer cohort of its EngineerHer programme, a one-year initiative aimed at equipping young Nigerian women with practical engineering skills, industry exposure and clear pathways to employment in the maritime sector.
Launched in 2025 to boost female representation within the company and strengthen Nigeria’s engineering talent pipeline, the programme combines technical training, hands-on operational experience and structured mentorship to prepare participants for successful careers in the industry.
The inaugural cohort admitted eight female graduates selected for their potential and commitment to pursuing careers in maritime engineering.
Even before the programme concluded, two participants had secured employment and academic opportunities, including positions with multinational organisations and scholarship placements.
The remaining six participants successfully completed the year-long training and graduated on June 30, 2026, with some already taking up full-time roles at WACT.
The outcomes underscore both the quality of the training and the growing demand for skilled female engineers in Nigeria’s maritime and logistics sectors.
Speaking on the milestone, WACT-APM Terminals Nigeria’s Senior People Business Partner, Chinelo Obienyem, said the initiative was created to bridge the gender gap in engineering while empowering women with the skills and confidence to thrive.
She said, “WACT EngineerHer Programme was launched with a clear ambition: to increase female representation in WACT and empower Nigerian women with the technical skills and competitive advantage needed to excel in their chosen fields. Even before graduation, participants had secured jobs and scholarships through the platform.
“We are now celebrating an even greater milestone as the first cohort graduates, with some stepping directly into substantive roles within WACT. The momentum continues with the admission of a second cohort on July 1, 2026. EngineerHer is more than a programme; it is a talent pipeline, a platform for opportunity and a demonstration of our commitment to building a more inclusive and future-ready workforce for WACT and Nigeria.”
Participants described the programme as a life-changing experience that equipped them both professionally and personally.
One of the graduates, Helen Clinton Okpoo, said, “I can now navigate the engineering profession with greater confidence and competence. The EngineerHer programme provides a strong foundation for any woman looking to grow both personally and professionally.”
Another participant, Margaret Jiji Seignure, praised the company’s inclusive culture, recalling that she applied while heavily pregnant and had not expected to be selected.
“Being part of a company that actively supports female growth and inclusion is invaluable,” she said.
With its second cohort already underway, the EngineerHer programme continues to demonstrate how targeted investment in female talent can help close the gender gap in technical professions while creating meaningful career opportunities and contributing to a stronger, more inclusive workforce for Nigeria’s future.