The Minister of Science, Technology and Innovation, Dr. Adeleke Mamora has posited that science, technology, engineering and mathematics (STEM) will spur women to achieve professional excellence in the engineering field.
Speaking when he received a delegation from the Association of Professional Women Engineers of Nigeria (APWEN) led by the association’s president, Engr. Elizabeth Eterigho who paid him a courtesy call in his office at the weekend in Abuja, he said the ministry will collaborate with the association in popularising STEM to increase the number of women in engineering studies in Nigeria.
According to him, APWEN, the umbrella body of female engineers in Nigeria and the diaspora, has been able to position women in the engineering sector – predominately dominated by men – to gradually take their place to compete with their men counterparts.
He added that with an association such as APWEN, the goal of sensitising young girls to encourage them to study engineering courses is being achieved.
The minister emphasised that engineering is one of the self-employing courses in the world; therefore, Nigerian women should be sensitised towards engaging in the fields. She added that young girls will be more innovative, creative and great inventors if they are identified early in life for the socio-economic development and growth of the country.
Mamora commended the association for her efforts toward girl child education and assured her of the ministry’s collaboration with the association.
Earlier, Eterigho informed the minister that the association has sensitised and encouraged many students in the six geopolitical zones of the country stressing that such ventures have stimulated their interest in studying science subjects.
She stated that the main objective of the visit is to collaborate with the ministry to execute her capacity projects whose multiplier effects will increase the opportunities available to girls in engineering studies.
