The Minister of State for Education, Dr. Suwaiba Said Ahmed, reiterated the Federal Government’s commitment to nurturing young minds during a courtesy visit by 12-year-old Eniola Shokunbi, a young Nigerian-American advocate for girls in STEM and STEAM.
Speaking during the visit, Dr. Ahmed emphasized that the administration of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu is firmly focused on creating opportunities for young Nigerians, particularly girls, through strategic programs and reforms.
“We are passionate about youth development and human capacity building,” she said. “The government is actively addressing the challenges affecting girls’ education, including improving teacher quality and access to education. We are also prioritizing Technical Vocational Education and Training (TVET) to equip young people with practical skills for the future.”
The minister commended Eniola for her inspirational mission to motivate her peers in Nigeria. “Your passion is commendable, and your mission to inspire Nigerian students, especially in STEM and STEAM, is in line with our national goals,” Dr. Ahmed stated.
Eniola, who travelled from the United States to connect with Nigerian students and promote girls’ empowerment in science and innovation, shared her vision during the visit.
“My goal is to empower girls and inspire them to believe that they can be change-makers,” she said. “I urge the government to make people-focused decisions, and I appreciate those who support my mission.”
Adding her voice to the dialogue, Dr. Mrs. Olodo, Director of Science and Technology in the Ministry, highlighted existing government-backed initiatives aimed at fostering innovation among students, such as the Junior Engineers, Technicians and Scientists (JETS) Club, and various STEM and STEAM competitions. These programs not only boost interest in science but also reward excellence with scholarships.
She also noted ongoing collaborations with international partners. “We are working with the Japanese government to sustain students’ interest in STEM, and the Honourable Minister has been pushing for increased female participation in TVET programmes,” Dr. Olodo explained. “Our education loan schemes are being strengthened to ensure these opportunities are accessible to all.”
The visit marks a promising moment for youth-focused policy dialogue and reinforces the importance of empowering the next generation—especially young girls—to lead Nigeria’s future in science, innovation, and development.
