In an inspiring initiative aimed at closing the gender gap in science and technology, the Education and Empowerment Centre for Women (EECW) has launched a Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics (STEM) workshop for 60 female secondary school students in Southern Kaduna.
This programme seeks to equip young girls with essential skills and knowledge in STEM fields, fostering a new generation of female innovators.
The workshop was inaugurated on Monday at Government Girls’ College in Zonkwa, Zangon Kataf Local Government Area, where Benjamin Dankaka, programme officer of EECW, emphasized the importance of hands-on, problem-based learning in these disciplines.
“STEM is an interdisciplinary approach that helps students succeed in college and in their future careers,” he stated.
Mr. Dankaka explained that the workshop is part of the Laraba Deyjih Science Innovation Prize for Girls, an initiative established to honor the late Mrs. Laraba Akpason, the mother of EECW’s founder, Sen. Nenadi Usman.
“Late Mrs. Akpason was known for her commitment to Christian values and a life dedicated to serving others. To continue her legacy, the Laraba Deyjih Science Innovation Prize seeks to educate and empower young girls in rural areas who have limited access to STEM education and resources,” he noted.
The programme aims to increase female participation in STEM fields, which remains low in Nigeria.
“Right now, not many students in Africa, including Nigeria, study STEM subjects, especially compared to countries like China and India. In Nigeria, fewer than 25 percent of students choose STEM, and only a small number finish with STEM degrees,” Mr. Dankaka explained, citing the lack of qualified teachers, awareness, and resources as significant barriers.
EECW’s vision extends beyond the workshop; it aims to establish a model for Science clubs specifically designed for girls.
Mr. Dankaka stated, “Our vision is to build a foundation for networking so they can support and uplift each other by sharing resources and connections.”
The workshop also featured hands-on activities and contests designed to inspire creativity and problem-solving among participants.
“Through these activities, we aim to encourage girls to create, discover, experiment, and share new ideas,” he added.
Swanta Bonat, executive director for community outreach at Educational Check and a resource person for the workshop, highlighted the transformative potential of the programme.
“This is coming at the right time because with this now, they have been empowered to think differently, reassess themselves, and apply their knowledge more as they pursue their future careers,” she remarked.
Ms. Bonat noted the ongoing challenges in the region, particularly the quality of education in science subjects. “Regrettably, one of the major setbacks in Southern Kaduna has been the low quality of education, especially as it relates to Science subjects in the rural communities. Education is a collective responsibility, and there is a need for combined efforts to revamp the sector, especially in sciences,” she stated.
Jonathan Danbaki, the principal of GSS, Kagoro in Kaura LGA, expressed his support for the initiative, stating, “It is a brilliant and welcome idea, especially in the educational development of our students as most of them in this part of the state have been left behind in the aspect of science and technology.”
Dorcas Silas, an SS2 student at GSS, Kagoro, shared her enthusiasm for the workshop.
“Before now, I have never heard anything about STEM, but with this workshop, I have learned so many aspects of science and technology,” she said, reflecting the positive impact of the programme.
At the conclusion of the workshop, participants received certificates in STEM education as well as STEM Club starter kits, which included educational materials to help promote STEM learning in their respective schools.
With this initiative, EECW is paving the way for a brighter future for young girls in Southern Kaduna, inspiring them to pursue careers in STEM and break barriers in traditionally male-dominated fields.
