The Minister of Education, Dr Tunji Alausa, on Thursday expressed concern that girls account for only 35 per cent of participation in Science, Technology, Engineering, Mathematics and Medical Sciences, calling for stronger efforts to encourage more female students into science and technology fields.
Alausa said increasing girls’ participation in STEMM was critical to Nigeria’s future workforce, urging schools, mentors and stakeholders to deliberately inspire female students to pursue science-related careers.
The minister spoke at the Nigeria Educational Supplies Summit, themed “Resilience in Motion: Schools Leading Change,” held at the Civic Centre, Lagos.
He was represented by his Special Adviser on STEMM and Corporate Sector Engagement, Dr Adetola Salau.
STEMM is one of the six pillars of the Nigeria Education Sector Renewal Initiative. In 2025, the Federal Ministry of Education expanded the initiative to align education with national manpower needs, particularly in healthcare, engineering and technology, through partnerships with tertiary institutions and the private sector.
