LASUBEB, ACEP rally stakeholders to close gender gap in STEM
The Lagos State Universal Basic Education Board (LASUBEB) has reaffirmed its commitment to strengthening Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics (STEM) education in public schools, with a strong focus on empowering
The Lagos State Universal Basic Education Board (LASUBEB) has reaffirmed its commitment to strengthening Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics (STEM) education in public schools, with a strong focus on empowering girls to take their rightful place in science and innovation.
Chairman of LASUBEB, Dr. Hakeem Babatunde Shittu, made this known at the 2026 International Day of Education and International Day of Women and Girls in Science organised by the Association of Childhood Education Practitioners (ACEP) in Lagos.
Speaking at the event, Dr. Shittu commended ACEP for its dedication to quality early childhood and basic education, describing the programme as a powerful reminder that the future of innovation and national development depends largely on how intentionally girls are encouraged to embrace STEM from an early age.
He stressed that education remains the foundation of transformation, noting that gender inclusion in STEM must begin at the foundational years of learning.
“When we expose girls early to curiosity, creativity, experimentation, and problem-solving, we are not only preparing them for careers; we are preparing them to become leaders, inventors, researchers, and solution providers for our society,” he said.
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Shittu explained that Lagos State continues to prioritise strengthening STEM teaching in basic education through inquiry-based learning, digital literacy, innovation, continuous teacher professional development, and the creation of safe and inclusive learning environments.
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“The world is rapidly changing, and the careers of tomorrow are being shaped by science and technology today. Therefore, we must ensure that no girl is left behind in the digital and scientific revolution,” he added.
Addressing the girls present at the event, he encouraged them to see themselves as future scientists and innovators.
“You belong in science. You belong in technology. You belong in innovation. Your ideas matter. Your curiosity matters. The world needs your creativity and brilliance,” he said.
In her keynote address, Director of the Intergovernmental Group of Twenty-Four (G-24) on International Monetary Affairs and Development, Dr. Iyabo Masha, underscored the need to move from vision to measurable impact, particularly in emerging fields such as Artificial Intelligence (AI) and cybersecurity.
She observed that while Nigerian girls show strong interest in sciences at the junior secondary level, their numbers often decline in advanced STEM fields due to structural and societal barriers.
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Describing this as a “leaky pipeline,” she called for deliberate efforts to build supportive ecosystems that enable girls to lead in science and technology.
“We must redefine STEM beyond the laboratory coat. STEM is a tool for national survival. When a Nigerian girl learns to code, she is building fintech solutions that will drive our economy. When she studies biotechnology, she is contributing to food security,” she said.
Masha also urged educators to integrate AI and digital ethics into school curricula, warning that failure to equip girls with relevant skills could lead to technological systems that do not reflect Nigeria’s cultural and social realities.
Founder of ACEP Nigeria, Hajia Olaitan Oshodi, in her welcome address, said the association was conceptualised over two decades ago to critically shape and secure the future of Nigerian children through purposeful early childhood education.
She described the theme of the celebration, “The Power of Youth in Co-Creating” and “From Vision to Impact: Redefining STEM by Closing the Gap” as a call to action for policymakers, educators, and parents.
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“STEM must no longer be seen as exclusive or intimidating. We must close the gender gap, bridge access disparities, and dismantle stereotypes that discourage girls from pursuing scientific pathways,” she said.
Oshodi emphasised that redefining STEM means making it inclusive, practical, and socially relevant, ensuring that every child, especially girls in underserved communities, has equal opportunity to thrive.
The event featured recognition of outstanding female students and young professionals in science and digital innovation, with stakeholders renewing their collective commitment to break stereotypes, provide equal opportunities, and invest in girl-child education.
Participants agreed that moving from vision to impact requires sustained collaboration among government agencies, educators, parents, and development partners to build a future where every girl can excel in STEM and contribute meaningfully to Nigeria’s development.
