FG launches new drive to empower young girls, Says Innovation Minister

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The Nigerian government has unveiled a renewed initiative aimed at boosting female participation in Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics (STEM) sectors.

This was revealed by the Minister of Innovation, Science, and Technology, Uche Nnaji, during the award ceremony of the Delta 2 Technology Transfer Programme, hosted by the National Agency for Science and Engineering Infrastructure (NASENI) in Abuja. The event coincided with the International Day of the Girl Child.

Minister Nnaji highlighted the importance of introducing young girls to STEM fields early, explaining, “Our approach is to engage them while they are young. We’re focusing on JSS1 and JSS2 students who are already showcasing exceptional projects. This is the foundation of basic science; when we teach them sciences early, technology naturally follows.”

He emphasized the government’s commitment to increasing women’s involvement in STEM, stating, “We want to see more women actively participating. In politics, when resources are available, we prioritise women because of the impact they have on their families and communities.”

The minister praised the creativity of the young participants, showcasing a project that demonstrated the generation of methane using petrol mixed with water and camphor. “The ingenuity of these young minds is remarkable,” he noted.

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Under President Bola Tinubu’s Renewed Hope Agenda, Nnaji expressed optimism that developing these talents early will have a transformative impact on Nigeria’s future. He also stressed the importance of turning these student projects into market-ready solutions, highlighting exhibitions as critical opportunities for refining these innovative ideas.

Dr. Nonyem Onyechi, the Coordinating Director of Planning and Business Development at NASENI, pointed out the need for stronger connections between research and industry. “Our biggest challenge is bridging the gap between research institutes and industry needs. Without this linkage, we cannot leverage technology effectively for national development,” Onyechi explained.

She highlighted the Delta 2 Programme’s focus on funding innovative projects by young female engineers, aiming to close the gender gap in technology and engineering sectors. The Chairman of the Presidential Implementation Committee on Technology Transfer, Dr. Dahiru Muhammed, reinforced this message, stressing the need to change the narrative around women’s participation in these fields.

“Today, we not only celebrate these young talents but also challenge the deep-seated gender imbalance in engineering and technology in Nigeria,” Muhammed stated.

He also mentioned the Delta Hub initiative launched earlier this year, which provides tools and support for young women aspiring to excel in technology and engineering. In closing, Minister Nnaji encouraged women to embrace STEM opportunities, adding, “We have always promoted women’s participation in these fields. Our society values and recognises the seriousness and contributions of women.”

The intensified focus on nurturing young female talents in STEM is seen as a strategic move to foster innovation and drive Nigeria’s technological advancement.


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