The Federal Government has expressed concern over the low participation of Nigerian girls in Science, Technology, Engineering, Mathematics and Medicine (STEMM), revealing that only 35 per cent of female students currently pursue studies in the critical fields, a development education stakeholders say could hinder the country’s technological and economic advancement.
Minister of Education, Dr. Tunji Alausa, disclosed the figure while addressing participants at the Nigeria Educational Supplies Summit held at the Civic Centre in Lagos. Represented by his Special Adviser on STEMM and Corporate Sector Engagement, Dr. Adetola Salau, the minister stressed that increasing girls’ participation in STEMM has become a national priority under the Nigeria Education Sector Renewal Initiative.
According to Alausa, expanding opportunities for girls in science and technology education is essential to building a future-ready workforce capable of driving innovation, industrialisation and sustainable national development. He noted that schools, parents, teachers and education stakeholders must work together to eliminate barriers discouraging female students from embracing science-related disciplines.
He called on schools across the country to create inclusive learning environments where girls are encouraged to participate actively in science experiments, technology clubs, coding programmes and engineering projects from an early age. The minister also advocated stronger mentorship programmes that would connect successful female scientists, engineers and technology professionals with young girls in schools to inspire confidence and career aspirations.
Alausa urged education administrators not to allow inadequate facilities to prevent effective science teaching, explaining that innovation often begins with creativity rather than expensive equipment. He recalled using simple classroom materials such as bottle tops, cups and brooms to teach engineering design during one of his STEM programmes, demonstrating that practical learning can thrive even with limited resources.
The minister further explained that the Federal Ministry of Education is implementing several STEMM initiatives closely linked with Technical and Vocational Education and Training (TVET), aimed at equipping learners with practical skills that meet the demands of modern industries. He encouraged public and private schools to position themselves to benefit from the various intervention programmes being rolled out by the Federal Government.
Speaking at the summit, Lagos State Commissioner for Basic and Secondary Education, Jamiu Ali-Balogun, underscored the importance of collaboration in strengthening Nigeria’s education system. He said meaningful reforms in education require sustained partnerships between governments, private organisations, development partners and other stakeholders, noting that education financing cannot be left to government alone.
Ali-Balogun also emphasised the need for continuity in education policies, stressing that consistent investment in innovation, teacher development and learning resources would improve educational outcomes and prepare students for emerging opportunities in science and technology.
Education experts at the summit observed that increasing female participation in STEMM would not only promote gender equity but also expand Nigeria’s pool of scientists, researchers, innovators and technology entrepreneurs. They maintained that empowering more girls through quality science education would strengthen national competitiveness, accelerate digital transformation and contribute significantly to economic growth in the years ahead.
