From TCNEWS
In reaffirmation of its dedication to fostering a passion for science and technology among students with a particular focus on inspiring young girls, Nwanyi Okpuzu Initiative (The She-Technician) in collaboration with Association of Professional Women Engineers of Nigeria, APWEN, Umuahia chapter engaged the female senior secondary students of Ndume-Otuka Community Secondary School, Umuahia, Abia State in a “Catch them young” career talk.
Speaking at the event, Engr. Mrs. Tolubanwo Stephanie (Ph.D), APWEN Umuahia Chapter Chairman said the event which has the theme, “Women In Science Leadership: A new era for Sustainability”, offered an opportunity to mentor the young girls and encourage female students who are already in the science field to enhance and to excel.
Pix: L-R Miss Ogbugo Helen, an alumnus of Nwanyi Okpuzu Initiative’s cohort 1 and Engr. Mrs Chibuogwu Nneka Okoro, the APWEN Umuahia chapter Secretary and founder of Nwanyi Okpuzu Initiative.
Engr. Mrs. Tolubanwo who was represented by Engr. Mrs Chibuogwu Nneka Okoro, who is also the APWEN Umuahia chapter Secretary and the founder of Nwanyi Okpuzu Initiative, also said that the event was designed to expose the young learners to the field of science – STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics) and to pass on the knowledge, skills and abilities acquired over the years in the field of engineering to the female students.
She expressed optimism that the programme would emotionally and intellectually empower the students to build a strong passion and be bold enough to delve into any Engineering courses of their choice irrespective of their gender.
Making a presentation, one of the facilitators and an Associate Professor of Computer Engineering, Michael Okpara University of Agriculture Umudike, MOUAU Engr. Dr. Ifeoma Nnochiri, said the programme was designed to inspire and empower the next generation of female leaders, equipping them with the knowledge, guidance, and motivation to pursue their dreams fearlessly.
She informed that UNESCO has made gender equality a global priority in access to education and training, adding that with this goal in mind, the International Day of Women and Girls in Science was established in 2015, and celebrated every year on February 11.
According to her this edition of the event focuses on the role of women and girls and science, in the direction of the Sustainable Development Goals.
Appreciating APWEN and Nwanyi Okpuzu Initiative respectively, Mrs. Efughu Ijeoma, Head of Department and the over best performer, an SS2 student of Ndume-Otuka Community Secondary School, Miss Marvelous Ogbu, for impacting positively on them.
Pix Left: Mrs. Efughu Ijeoma, Head of Department and 2nd from right, the over best performer, an SS2 student of Ndume-Otuka Community Secondary School, Miss Marvelous Ogbu.
“Now I can think right and take the right decision. I was contemplating if I was going to be a mechanical engineer but after this programme, I am not going back, I am sticking to my vision, I am sticking to my aspiration and I am sticking to my ambition”, Miss Marvelous Ogbu said.
The female students were divided into five groups after they were drilled to a public speaking presentation by Engr. Mercy Egwu-Kelechi, a Senior Technical Officer with the Department of Chemical Engineering, MOUAU, during the programme.
Also, after an intense brainstorming exercise, the various groups respectively presented their assigned topics on the following sectors: Transportation; Oil and Gas; Electricity; Information and Communication Technology; and Building and Construction.
Miss Ogbugo Helen, an alumnus of Nwanyi Okpuzu Initiative’s cohort 1, facilitated a coaching session on 6 tips to achieving success.
International Day of Women and Girls in Science is an opportunity to promote full and equal access to and participation in science for women and girls.