Over the last decade, a growing number of women have entered the fields of Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics (STEM). Despite these gains, impactful and lasting female representation in STEM appears to be relegated to the margins. This is what makes Augusta Ekpo’s more than two-decade experience in the engineering sector an even more powerful feat. She speaks to AMAKA about amplifying women in STEM and her path to Amazon Energy.

Passionate about personal and corporate social responsibility, and making a difference in people’s lives, it is no surprise Augusta Ekpo views engineering as a calling. Augusta, 52, says the road would have been “much bumpier” but for her resilience and determination to persevere, and is adamant her experience does not mean other women should struggle.

Recently there’s been efforts from companies and educational establishments to root out the bias and low representation of women in STEM globally. While initiatives to encourage young girls and women have made inroads into the engineering sector, gender stereotypes still persist. According to Augusta, this will take some time to eliminate. “It’s possible with teamwork and support, because men are just as responsible as women to challenge the all-boys mentality in engineering and make it more inclusive,” she says.

Since 2017, the Lagos-based engineer has been serving as the business manager for Union Technical Manpower Service – a subsidiary of Amazon Energy Limited – which provides technical manpower supply and training services for the oil and gas industries. Augusta is in charge of the entity's end-to-end business operations and generating revenue.  

Established in 1999, Amazon Energy has a vision to become the “premier energy services provider” in Africa. The company, which bills itself as Nigeria’s “leading diversified energy services provider,” builds infrastructure that supports the petroleum, engineering, oil and gas, and power sectors. As part of its ethos, it aims to execute projects to “quality standards” while also providing “creative solutions” with integrity and teamwork. The firm provides engineering, procurement, construction, project and asset management, energy development and manpower and training services. 

Augusta, born in Calabar, Cross River State, has always had a knack for challenges. At 20, she left Nigeria after winning a scholarship to study at Rostov State University, Russia. There she spent a year learning Russian, before completing her bachelor’s degree in civil engineering. After her graduation, she said she felt a deep urge to give back to her country and returned home to do just that.

AMAKA: You have over two decades of expertise in your field. In what ways has the industry landscape changed over time? Would you describe it as a positive/progressive change or not?

Augusta Ekpo: There’s been more push to get young girls into STEM, and more diversity, equity and inclusion (DEI) compared to when I started out. But engineering remains the most male-led area in STEM — we still have a long way to go to close the gender gap. Female retention is probably the biggest issue. Statistically more women are entering the sector, but female engineers leave the field at a higher rate than men, so there’s a power imbalance. Women engineers have much to offer, from unconventional and smart ideas to innovative execution and they should be retained and appreciated. 

What is the impact of diverse representation of women within the energy industry on young women and girls who have aspirations about joining the sector?

Diversity brings a fresh perspective and generates more innovative and creative projects. In a way, representation is like looking in the mirror: you recognise yourself in others, and they can be a point of reference for what you can aspire to. When you see women who represent you, making strides in the energy and engineering sectors, it reinforces the notion that you too can make an impact by following your dreams. 

For Black and African women, this can especially be hard in our industry because outside of the gender gap, they are also contending with ethnicity and pay gap. This challenge can be countered by retaining Black and African women in engineering and promoting them to senior leadership positions, so the upcoming cohorts don’t have to question where all the senior female engineers who look like them have gone. But it’s important for young girls to seek out mentors, just as it’s  for women in senior roles to open doors and bridge gaps. We need to lead by example to create a better working environment for ourselves and other women.

How to Break Into the Male-Dominated Oil & Gas Sector in Nigeria

Connecting the dots and feeling valued 

Amazon Energy’s mission statement mentions providing quality standards and creative solutions with integrity and teamwork. If you had a personal mission statement to guide your professional path, what would it be?

My values link closely with that of Amazon Energy in that I greatly emphasisecreativity and integrity. Creativity is fundamental in engineering and of course integrity, which means delivering to expectation is also key to the industry. I use both in my career and personal life and that’s why I enjoy my role at the company.  

In what ways do you connect your work to your identity, and what influence, if any, did your background have on your career choice? 

As Nigerians, we tend to be very motivated to make something of our lives, and that deep desire has always lived within me. It’s a sparkling light that still shines after all these years. I grew up feeling confident in my ability to do more. I was lucky because my parents and family supported my dreams and allowed me to be curious and explore paths. My aunt, who was an architect, was my inspiration, seeing her passion and success motivated me to push forward in my career. At first, I wanted to follow in her footsteps and become an architect. However, I chose engineering because it’s the art of revolution, of building something with lasting power: that’s how I lead my life. I truly live in my vision, strive to create a life worth living and leave behind a lasting legacy.  

How can corporations make women feel valued rather than grateful to be included in male-dominated industries?

Everyone wants to be seen and heard, but women are often denied that luxury. Women don’t want gratitude; we want respect and acknowledgement. If women, especially Black and African women, are included in male-dominated industries, it’s because we worked hard, often harder than anyone else, to be where we are. Unfortunately, many firms tend to miss the mark when it comes to female engineers, because they fail to highlight their success stories in the same way they celebrate men. Women aren’t a footnote. Let their achievements be their own chapter as having equality in engineering benefits everyone.

Empowering the next cohort of female engineers 

What do you think needs to be done for more women on the continent to pursue careers in the energy sector that are not limited to engineering and STEM?

African parents have a massive bearing on their child’s education and career. Although working in the energy sector is held in high regard, young girls are not encouraged to pursue it since it’s often not considered a “female” career. We need to rebuild those dangerous stereotypes because they hold African women back from seeking certain careers. Africa is a resource rich continent; we have plenty of need for workers outside traditional STEM fields like renewable energy jobs that deal with wind turbines and solar systems, water treatment specialists, and nuclear power plant operators. We need to boost those careers and make them more accessible because advancing our countries and lives matters more than who gets the job done.  

What’s the biggest misconception regarding women working in engineering and other STEM-related fields?

There’s a misconception that only men succeed in engineering or STEM-related careers. But that’s far from the truth. As a woman engineer with 21-years in the bag, I’m a living testament of that, and there are many others who are more successful than me.

What advice would you give to women who would like to attain the success you have achieved in the sector?

Believe in yourself. If you are not your own champion no one else will root for you. 

Stay focussed on your why – this will help you remain on track. 

Be dedicated to your job, but don’t let that be all there’s to you. You are your own person outside of your career, never forget your identity. 

Don’t be easily intimidated. You belong wherever you go, don’t let anyone else make you feel like you don’t deserve to be there.

How can young women who want to get into engineering or other sections of the energy sector best position themselves, and carve the best possible path to achieve that goal?

Focus on determining your short- and long-term goals and finding the right path and mentors early on. Be persistent, resilient, and above all, persevere to achieve your goals.

Network, network and network! Also attend industry conferences to put yourself out there, meet your cohort as well as game changers in the sector.

Be ready to take on the most challenging technical/leadership roles.

How can parents encourage their daughters who show a promise for science or engineering?

Engage them in science or engineering activities.

Encourage curiosity and questioning.

Explore careers to help them visualise themselves in those profession. 

Identify a mentor for them to learn from.