Experts seek better labs, mentorship to boost girls’ participation in Chemistry
Experts have advocated improved science teaching methods, well-equipped laboratories and sustained mentorship to motivate more young girls to study chemistry and pursue careers in science. The call was made at
Experts have advocated improved science teaching methods, well-equipped laboratories and sustained mentorship to motivate more young girls to study chemistry and pursue careers in science.
The call was made at the 2026 International Union of Pure and Applied Chemistry (IUPAC) Global Women’s Breakfast, organised by Women in Chemistry (WIC) under the Chemical Society of Nigeria (CSN).
The event took place on Tuesday at the Petroleum Training Institute (PTI), Effurun, Delta State.
With the theme “Many Voices, One Science,” the programme convened women chemists, educators, professionals and students from across the globe to deliberate on advancing female participation in science.
WIC Coordinator, Dr Sarah Nwinee, urged the Niger Delta Development Commission (NDDC), the North East Development Commission (NEDC) and other relevant agencies to prioritise the provision of functional science laboratories in schools. She cautioned that inadequate learning facilities continue to undermine girls’ interest and performance in chemistry.
“I want to appeal to schools and relevant agencies. Many schools no longer have functional laboratories, yet students are expected to sit WAEC examinations without adequate practical exposure. I appeal to the NDDC, NEDC and others to prioritise education,” she said.
Highlighting the global significance of the programme, she added, “Women in science all over the world collaborate, network and discuss how to secure research collaborators and advance science. This year, we focused on ‘Many Voices, One Science’, where we come together to promote what we believe in, which is science.
“This is a special event for me because I have been in this role since 2021, and this is my last event as Coordinator. I am very happy because we were able to secure sponsors for the programme.
“The quiz is not just about competition; it is to help the girls excel. The prizes were increased this year so that students can study, prepare well and take their education seriously.”
WIC increased the quiz prize fivefold—from N50,000, N30,000 and N20,000 to N250,000, N150,000 and N100,000 respectively, she disclosed.
In his remarks, Chairman of the CSN Delta Chapter, Prof Ellas Elemike, stressed that attracting more girls to chemistry required a shift in teaching methods.
“There are many things schools can do to attract more female students into chemistry. One is by showing them that science is not abstract. Science should be taught as life. Through our ‘Train the Trainer’ programme, we train secondary school teachers to teach science beyond theory, showing students that science is what they see around them.
“The quiz competition was introduced as an innovation to catch them young and enhance their understanding of chemistry. This year, we increased the prize from N50,000 to N250,000 because sponsors have recognised the benefits of the programme. The prize money serves as motivation for students to perform better in their studies,” he said.
In her keynote address titled “Many Voices, One Science,” Dr Mariefel Olarte emphasised transparency, competence and independence in scientific practice, likening life to riding a bicycle that requires constant movement to maintain balance.
Also speaking, Prof Mary Edema of the Federal University of Petroleum Resources, Effurun (FUPRE), described Women in Chemistry as a support platform for female chemists across specialisations.
“We come together to support one another in research and administration, to mentor one another and to show young girls that chemistry is not too difficult. If other women can do it, they can too.
“On balancing motherhood and professional life, women should avoid overburdening themselves. Time management is key. You need to know when to be in the laboratory and when to attend to your home,” Edema said.
Former FUPRE Deputy Vice-Chancellor (Administration), Prof Doris Ogeleka, identified gender bias as a major challenge.
“Gender is one of the major issues affecting women. Sometimes, male counterparts feel they can do better, but when we come together, we remind ourselves that what a man can do, a woman can also do. Our place is not only in the kitchen. Our voices must be heard, recognised and valued,” she said.
The event also featured a quiz competition among secondary schools in Delta State. College of Education Demonstration Secondary School emerged first, winning N250,000; Ogbe Secondary School came second with N150,000; while Challenge Academy placed third, receiving N100,000.
Speaking after the competition, winners Ezimadu Emmanuella and Chukwuka Ngozi Favour expressed excitement over their victory, noting that the competition had motivated them to study harder for their examinations.