FG Strategises To Promote Gender Advancement In Science, Technology
Princess-Ekwi Ajide Abuja
The Minister of Innovation, Science and Technology, Chief Uche Nnaji, says peomotion of gender equality, and empowerment of women and girls is critical to the socio-economic development of the country.
Chief Nnaji, stated this at a one-day sensitization programme on Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics (STEM) with the theme: “Unleashing Potentials: Empowering the Girl Child for a secured Future” held by the Ministry in Abuja.
The Minister who was represented by the Director Science, Technology and Promotion, (STP) Mr. Ronald Ukpong, said that the goal of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu led administration is to build strong, resilient and committed women leaders in the Innovation, Science and Technology sector that will drive the economy from consumption to production with special focus on girl child education.
He said, Science,Technology, Engineering and Mathematics(STEM), is a new method of learning for easy understanding by the students adding that participation of girls and women in the field of STEM remains significantly lower than that of men even in some of the world’s technologically advanced nations.
The Minister, lamented that stereotyping persists as women especially in Africa are not recognized in the development of society which resulted in them not utilizing their potentials in proffering solutions to societal challenges.
He said, because of this, the Ministry in recognition of the role women play in the development of Innovation, Science and Technology, seeks to develop the capacity of women especially through mainstreaming them into human capital development, agriculture, industrial growth and banking and finance amongst others.
The Minister had earlier commended teachers for their resilience, dedication and diligence in their daily sacrifices to ensure that children achieve their ambitions and dreams of greater self-reliance.
Earlier, the Permanent Secretary of the Ministry Mr. James Sule, who was represented by his Special Assistant Mrs. Aisha Mohammed Bello, said that the Federal Government in its quest to develop the country technologically, had established many Federal Universities of Science and Technology with the aim of improving the teaching in career areas of STEM education.
He further said that as part of the Ministry’s efforts to popularize science education in the country, the Ministry is making deserving groups more visible in order to promote careers in STEM.
The Director FCT Department of Innovation Science and Technology Mr. Olobashola Kolawole who was represented by the Director Technology, Acquisition and Promotion Mrs. Nkechi Nwachukwu, said that one of the greatest tragedies in life is to watch potentials die untapped, adding that every one is equipped with abilities, talents and gifts.
He encouraged the students to work hard, and not settle for less, adding that to achieve this, they must learn how to set goals, understand their strength and what they have passion for, take risk and surround themselves with those that will inspire and encourage them to achieve their set goals.
