ABUJA – (Science & Technology Ministry Report) – The Nigerian Government is set to boost girl – child education in the rural areas as part of the ongoing economic development initiative in Nigeria. The Minister of Science and Technology, Ogbonnaya Onu disclosed this when the Organization for Women in Science for the Developing World (OWSD) visited him in his office recently.
Ogbonnaya Onu said that educating the girl-child is crucial in Nigeria’s human capital development, indicating that for Nigeria to realise its greatness globally, the country must make strong impact in the deployment of science, technology and innovation through boosting girl – child education in the rural areas. He revealed that the Government is not leaving any single citizen out, particularly the girl – child in its human, economic and political development plan for Nigeria.
The Minister called on OWSD to harness and mentor the potentials of the girl – child in schools through her chapters located at the rural areas across the nation. He also charged the organisation to take the lead in making significant contributions to national development in all the sectors of the economy.
“When we harness the potentials of our girl – child education in Nigeria, we will reduce poverty, provide jobs and create wealth as well as generate opportunities for future entrepreneurs. This is a national effort whereby every Nigerian should play a major role,” he stressed.
In her welcome address at the occasion, the National President of OWSD, Ibiyinka Fuwape (Prof) said that the organization is poised to assist the Ministry in achieving this mandate. She further mentioned that the sensitization project on Science Technology Engineering and Mathematics (STEM) should include the retraining of science teachers towards evolving innovative ways of teaching science subjects in schools across the nation.
