Charity Kpabep Scholarship: UNIDO, SWE, Empowers Female Engineers and Technicians in the Refrigeration and Air Conditioning Manufacturing Sector
The Charity Kpabep Scholarship programme, implemented by the Nigerian Federal Ministry of Environment in collaboration with the United Nations Industrial Development Organization (UNIDO), and the Society of Women Engineers (SWE), recently, empowers female engineers and technicians in the Refrigeration and Air Conditioning (RAC) manufacturing sector.
The event, led by Professor Rose-Margaret Ekeng-Itua, Chairperson of the UNIDO Charity Kpabep Scholarship Programme Working Group, and Senior Adviser for the Society of Women Engineers Africa Advisory Board, highlights the presentation of scholarship awards to 32 beneficiaries as a symbol of commitment to support women’s advancement in STEM fields.
In a statement, Dr Osuji Otu, a representative of the UNIDO Regional Office, said the scholarship component forms part of the activities proposed for Nigeria’s hydrochlorofluorocarbons (HCFCs) Phase-out Management Plan (HPMP) Stage III Project.
According to him, the HPMP Stage III Project targets to phase out 17.13 Ozone Depleting Potential (ODP) tonnes of HCFC-22 to a low Global Warming Potential technology- R-32, as well as assist Nigeria in meeting the target of 67.5 per cent reduction in HCFC baseline consumption by 2025.
Dr. Osuji underscored the importance of gender inclusivity in STEM education and employment, and the broader significance of initiatives like the Charity Kpabep Scholarship programme in advancing sustainable development goals and fostering a more equitable society.
Meanwhile, Dr. Ina Colombo-Youla, a distinguished figure in the STEM community, introduced the International Institute of Refrigeration (IIR) and the International Network of Women in Cooling (INWIC) to the participants, encouraging the beneficiaries to identify themselves and make an impact.
The event had in attendance Patience Ekeoba, United Nations Women representative in Nigeria, Mr Oluyomi Banjo, National Programme Coordinator Environment and Energy, Engr. Idris Abdullahi, the National Ozone Officer, Engr. Vera Egwatu, Chair SWE Africa Advisory Board, Christy Obasi who acted as the secretariat for the Charity Kpabep Scholarship programme and Deborah Braide who had supported with facilitation, among others.
However, Mr. Fukuya Lino, the Industrial Development Officer at UNIDO, reaffirmed the organization’s unwavering commitment to promoting gender equality and sustainable development. He commended the efforts of all stakeholders involved in the Charity Kpabep Scholarship Programme and expressed optimism for the future of women in STEM in Nigeria.