The Nigerian government is intensifying efforts to promote female participation in science, technology, engineering, and mathematics fields, according to the Minister of Innovation, Science, and Technology, Uche Nnaji.
The minister stated this during the Presidential Implementation Committee on Technology Transfer Delta 2 Programme award ceremony organised by the National Agency for Science and Engineering Infrastructure in Abuja on Tuesday, which coincided with the International Day of the Girl Child.
Nnaji emphasised the need to engage young girls in those fields, stating, “Our approach focuses on reaching them at a young age. You can imagine, we are talking about JSS1 and JSS2 students doing these fantastic projects. This is basic science, and that’s what we mean—when you teach them the sciences, the technology will follow.”
He reaffirmed the government’s commitment to empowering women in STEM, noting, “We want more women involved. In politics, we often say that when we have resources to support families, we prioritise women over men.”
The minister praised the innovative capabilities of the young participants, highlighting a project that generated methane using petrol mixed with water and camphor.
“Isn’t that fantastic? These young individuals have such innovative mindsets,” he remarked.
Nnaji pointed to initiatives under the Renewed Hope Agenda led by President Bola Tinubu, stating, “By nurturing these talents early, we can transform Nigeria by the time they come of age.”
He stressed the importance of translating students’ projects into market-ready products, emphasizing the role of exhibitions in refining these ideas.
The event also spotlighted women’s contributions in sectors traditionally dominated by men.
The Coordinating Director of Planning and Business Development at NASENI, Dr Nonyem Onyechi, addressed the need for stronger ties between research and industry.
“The answer lies in the lack of a link between our research institutes and industry needs. As long as that linkage is absent, we cannot effectively use technology to develop our country,” Onyechi explained.
She underscored the Delta 2 programme’s role in sponsoring innovative ideas from young female engineers, aiming to close the gender gap in technology and engineering fields.
The Chairman of the Presidential Implementation Committee on Technology Transfer, Dr Dahiru Muhammed, emphasised the importance of challenging the existing gender imbalance in those areas.
“Today, we not only celebrate innovation and excellence but also challenge the long-standing narrative surrounding engineering and technology in Nigeria,” he said.
Muhammed also highlighted the Delta Hub initiative, launched in March, which aimed to provide essential tools and support for young women aspiring to thrive in engineering and technology.
In his closing remarks, Nnaji encouraged women hesitant to enter the field, asserting, “We have always encouraged women to engage in STEM fields. In our society, we value women highly. We recognise that they are serious-minded individuals, and we commend their contributions.”
