The future of Nigeria hinges on innovation, and who better to lead the charge than our bright young minds? The Association of Professional Women Engineers of Nigeria (APWEN) is on a mission to unlock this potential, calling for a serious boost in mentorship and a dash of creativity in how we teach Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics (STEM). They’re not just talking about it; they’re making it happen, ensuring that every Nigerian child, especially our girls, gets a fair shot at becoming the next big innovator.
APWEN Ignites Passion for STEM
Imagine a Nigeria where every young person sees STEM not as a scary academic hurdle, but as a thrilling adventure. That’s the vision driving APWEN! Their recent FunSTEM competition, held in partnership with Worley Engineering Services Limited, was a vibrant showcase of talent and enthusiasm. Young students from 13 secondary schools in Lagos dived headfirst into hands-on activities, transforming everyday trash into treasures, crafting beautiful art, and even getting a feel for basic engineering principles using stuff found right at home. It’s all about showing them that STEM is not just for textbooks; it’s for building, creating, and solving real-world problems.
Why STEM Matters More Than Ever
Dr. Adebisi Osim, the President of APWEN, put it perfectly: STEM is the golden ticket to innovation and a sustainable future. But, she pointed out, there’s a gap we need to close, especially for women and girls in Nigeria. Did you know that globally, women are only about 35% of STEM students? In Nigeria, it’s even less in some crucial fields! Dr. Osim made it clear: we can’t afford to sideline half of our population when we’re facing massive challenges like climate change and the digital revolution. It’s a missed opportunity, plain and simple.
Bridging the Gender Gap in STEM
Worley’s collaboration with APWEN is a fantastic example of putting inclusivity into action. Adedoyin Talabi, Project Manager at Worley, shared that their programs are designed with a balance, ensuring that while girls often take the lead with 75% participation, boys are also actively involved at 25%. This partnership is vital for nurturing a diverse pool of future engineers and innovators.
STEM: The Engine for Africa’s Future
It’s not just about getting kids excited in school. APWEN emphasizes the importance of continuous professional development for engineers. The African Union’s Agenda 2063 and Nigeria’s own National Policy on Science, Technology, and Innovation both spotlight STEM as the bedrock for continental and national progress. We need engineers who are constantly learning and adapting to drive growth.
Making Learning Fun and Engaging
Forget boring lectures! APWEN Lagos Chapter Chairman, Mrs. Abosede Oyekunle, is all about making STEM learning a blast. They’re not just engaging the students; they’re also empowering teachers with creative ways to explain complex scientific ideas. Imagine a dart game where hitting a target reveals questions about sustainable engineering or chemical elements! It’s learning disguised as fun, and it’s incredibly effective.
From Waste to Wonder: A Practical Approach
The event also featured practical sessions that blew everyone away. Mrs. Jumoke Olowowaste from the Waste Museum showed the students how ‘waste’ can be transformed into beautiful jewelry and household items. Her message? “Waste is not waste until you waste it.” Meanwhile, Mrs. Tolulope Erinosho sparked curiosity about renewable energy by demonstrating how solar, wind, and electricity generation work. These hands-on experiences are invaluable for sparking young imaginations.
A Call to Action for Investment
APWEN’s message is clear: we need more investment in mentorship programs and creative teaching methods. By nurturing the next generation of STEM leaders, we’re investing in Nigeria’s progress and its ability to tackle the challenges of tomorrow. It’s a call to all stakeholders – government, private sector, and educators – to come together and build a stronger, more innovative Nigeria.
| Key Takeaways from APWEN’s FunSTEM Forum |
|---|
| Emphasis on STEM for national development. |
| Need for increased investment in mentorship. |
| Adoption of creative and hands-on teaching methods. |
| Focus on gender inclusivity in STEM fields. |
| Transforming waste into useful products and exploring sustainable energy. |
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