The African University of Science and Technology (AUST) in collaboration with the African Development Bank (AfDB) has embarked on an outreach training on Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics (STEM) to some selected schools in the Federal Capital Territory (FCT).
Mrs Victoria Agbo, Head, Multi-Lateral Projects in AUST, disclosed this at the training Programme in Government Secondary School, Tudun Wada, Abuja on Thursday.
Agbo said that the training was in a bid to encourage secondary school students, especially the young girls to take up science and engineering careers.“ We have seen that we do not have female enrollment in science.
“ Over 70 per cent of men are doing STEM in academy and industry. So we want to push for more girls to do sciences, not just in academy but in their careers,” he said.
She added that the training Programme commenced on Nov. 15 and the team visited the Government Science School, Tunga Maje and Government Science School, Gwagwalada on Nov.16.
According to her, the training Programme was sponsored by the AfDB with support from the International Development Research Centre(IDRC).
“ The team of Wednesday, visited Government Science School, Dutse and we are here today, training students of Government Science School, Tudun Wada.
“ The training will be concluded on Friday with a visit to the Federal Government Girls College, Bwari,” she added.
She further said that students would be trained on the use of Robotics, Computer Programming, Renewable Energy, 3D Printing, Health Hygienic Tips and Effective ways of combating the COVID-19 pandemic, among others.
She said that the team had recently organised a training workshop under the auspices of Women in Science and Engineering (WISE), where young women scientists and engineers were trained on new technologies to enhance their respective careers.
Also, Miss Oluwabukola Fanimehin, an SS3 student of the school, said she was delighted with the enlightenment Programme of the team.
“We are the leaders of tomorrow and we need to be brought up in a way that will bring development to our country.
“ It is important to study science as it is key to our daily life activities,” she said.In the same vein, Bamidele Ronnie, also an SS 3 student said there was need to encourage girls to study sciences as this would help in solving most of the challenging problems of the country.(NAN)