Dr. Felicia Agubata, a former President of the Association of Professional Women Engineers of Nigeria (APWEN), now finds her name emblazoned on London’s iconic Underground map. The prestigious renaming of the London Metropolitan/Piccadilly line’s Rayners Lane station in her honor underscores her outstanding career and dedication to the engineering profession.
The Royal Academy of Engineering (RAEng) and Transport for London (TFL) have jointly initiated this remarkable tribute, part of a larger scheme to acknowledge engineers’ vital roles in shaping society. The Tube map’s updated version encompasses a total of 274 tube and Elizabeth line stations, each dedicated to historic and contemporary engineers who have made lasting contributions to the world.
Dr. Agubata’s inclusion is particularly significant, given her status as a trailblazer in the field of engineering. Notably, the renaming of Rayners Lane station coincided with this year’s National Engineering Day, observed on November 1. This day, organized by the Royal Academy of Engineering, seeks to raise awareness about the transformative impact engineers have on the world.
Rayners Lane station, on the London Metropolitan/Piccadilly line, has been officially renamed as Dr. Felicia Nnena Agubata. This recognition positions her alongside other esteemed engineers, including the likes of Dr. Nelson Ogunshakin, George Imafidion, Ollie Folayan, David Waboso, Dr. Nike Folayan, and Professor Yewande Akinola, all of Nigerian origin.
Dr. Agubata’s contributions to the engineering profession and her commitment to advancing the field, particularly among women and young engineers cannot be overemphasised. Her career has been marked by remarkable achievements, exemplifying the potential of African talent on the global stage. Her recognition extends beyond her individual accomplishments; it’s a celebration of the entire engineering community, a collective of professionals who continue to drive innovation in various aspects of life.
The updated Tube map goes beyond station renaming; it also includes renamed lines and a diverse array of engineers from various fields. Oxford Circus station now bears the name of Harry Beck, the visionary electrical draughtsman behind the iconic London Underground Tube map, created 90 years ago. Shepherd’s Bush station is now Professor Dame Ann Dowling’s namesake, in honor of her pioneering noise-reduction research on Concorde. Uxbridge station has been renamed after Dr. Gladys West, known for her groundbreaking work on the Global Positioning System.
These changes exemplify the variety of expertise and contributions engineers have made to society, including advancements in transportation, defense, entertainment, computing, and health. With this innovative redesign, RAEng and TFL aim to inspire individuals from diverse backgrounds to consider engineering as a fulfilling and impactful career.
In response to the incredible honor, Dr. Felicia Agubata dedicated the recognition to the Nigerian engineering community, emphasizing the collective nature of their accomplishments. Engineering, as she noted, touches every aspect of daily life, from infrastructure to technology. She acknowledged that the profession plays a pivotal role in improving our quality of life and shaping a sustainable future.
Dr. Agubata, a PhD holder in Electrical & Electronics Engineering, has achieved numerous accolades and awards throughout her career. She has been a trailblazer for women in engineering and a passionate advocate for STEM education and mentorship. Her dedication to encouraging young talent and the broader engineering community is reflected in projects like “Invent it Build it” and initiatives like “SheEngineer” and “Shengineer 30% Club.”
