By Sani Yarima
A Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics (STEM) day programme was recently held in Wukari town, the Headquarters of Kwararrafa kingdom in Taraba State.
The programme was organized by the Jukun Woman, a group dedicated to empowering women and girls in the region.
It was aimed at providing resources to equip female students with the skills necessary to break gender limitations and succeed in STEM careers.
Favour Wazota Agbu, the founder of the Jukun Woman, initiated the programme to offer guidance and orientation to students in choosing their future careers.
The programme was directed towards female students, who were found to be lacking interest in science subjects.
Dorcas Elisha, programme officer for the Jukun Woman, noted that girls need to be inspired and encouraged to join the STEM career, which is currently dominated by men.
Elisha assured that the programme will continue to move forward for the betterment of the girls and sought collaboration with other stakeholders in the educational and nonprofit sectors to create more awareness of the need for STEM education in the region.
Chinwendu Evian Madubueze, a lecturer at the Federal University of Agriculture Benin, encouraged female students to pursue mathematics and highlighted the benefits and opportunities available to female mathematicians.
Daniel Yohanna Gambo Basuna, Wukari education secretary, commended the Jukun Woman for introducing the programme, stating that it is an added advantage to the community.
Finally, many science students who were interviewed expressed their gratitude for the programme, which has encouraged them to pursue science subjects in school.
