The quest for gender equality in Nigeria, particularly in education and professional development, faces significant challenges. Despite some progress, socio-cultural norms often hinder the educational journeys of girls, and women's representation in Science, Technology,Engineering, and Mathematics (STEM) fields remains notably low. In response to this situation, Oando Foundation, an independent charity established in 2011 to support the Nigerian government in achieving its Universal Basic Education goals, recently hosted an event to commemorate International Women’s Month with the aim of dismantling barriers/stereotypes and inspiring young girls; to pique their interest in STEM.
Statistics from the Nigerian Bureau of Statistics indicate that women comprise only approximately 22% of graduates in STEM-related fields nationwide. Persistent gender stereotypes, a scarcity of female role models, and systemic biases that deter girls from pursuing STEM careers are key contributing factors to this disparity.
The challenge persists, with a UNESCO report showing that women constitute less than 15% of engineering and technology researchers in some West and Central African countries. This trend is mirrored within Nigeria, where societal expectations often prioritize domestic roles for women,thereby limiting their access to and participation in higher education and professional opportunities.
Recognizing these enduring challenges, Oando Foundation hosted a transformative experience for girls from Dele Ajomale School Complex – home to one of the Foundation’s beneficiary schools under the Adopt-A-School program – at the Oando headquarters in Lagos. This impactful initiative went beyond conventional outreach programs by providing firsthand exposure to the diverse career paths and opportunities available to women in the energy sector.
Responding to the urgency for action, Oando Foundation adopted a grassroots approach, focusing on empowering young girls at a critical stage in their development. The goal was to plant "seeds of change" by showcasing the inherent potential within each girl, demonstrating that they can aspire to and achieve far beyond their current perceptions. As a result of this initiative, several girls from the Dele Ajomale School Complex have expressed a newfound interest in STEM fields and have set ambitious career goals for themselves.
During the event, Tonia Uduimoh, Head, Oando Foundation, addressed the young attendees, stating, "As you witness the activities here and observe how our professionals work – women just like yourselves, though at a different stage of life – I am confident that something will resonate within you, broadening your understanding of the vast possibilities of who you can become".
A central element of the initiative was an immersive tour of the Oando Headquarters, allowing the students to directly observe the diverse roles women occupy within a corporate environment. The students met with professionals within the business who shared personal journeys and words of encouragement.They encouraged the girls to recognize their potential for heroism and to pursue their dreams, emphasizing the importance of determination and overcoming obstacles to achieving one's dreams. They also highlighted the importance of courage, commitment, forming positive relationships, and the need for girls to have a voice and advocate for themselves.
Such initiatives are particularly crucial in Nigeria, where, despite advancements, achieving gender equality in STEM remains "an elusive goal", as noted by Uche Nnaji, Minister of Innovation, Science, and Technology, during the commemoration of International Day for Women and Girls in Science 2024.
Oando Foundation's unwavering commitment to nurturing the potential of young Nigerian girls demonstrated through this initiative, is a sentiment shared across the nation's energy sector. In recent times, collaborative efforts such as the Oil Producers Trade Section's (OPTS) "Introduce a Girl to Oil and Gas" event in January 2025, with the support of companies like Chevron, have provided invaluable direct exposure to industry opportunities for female students.
Furthermore, national institutions like the NNPC Foundation are making significant investments in STEM education, as evidenced by their March 2025 initiative to donate STEM textbooks to secondary schools nationwide. This significant effort aims to strengthen the educational foundation for all students, including girls, who harbour aspirations for careers in science and technology.
Recognizing the critical importance of women's economic empowerment within the industry, the Nigerian Content Development and Monitoring Board (NCDMB) launched a substantial $40 million Women in Oil and Gas Intervention Fund in late 2024. This strategic fund is designed to support women-led businesses, thereby creating more pathways for increased female participation and leadership within the Nigerian oil and gas sector. The long-term impact of these initiatives is not just on individual girls and women, but on the Nigerian economy and society as a whole, as we tap into the full potential of our population and foster a more inclusive and diverse workforce.
More than a typical corporate outreach, this initiative by Oando Foundation served as a strategic intervention, designed to challenge preconceived notions and ignite a sense of ambition in young minds. By providing these girls with real-life examples of successful women in a professional setting, the Foundation offered them a glimpse into a future where gender equality is not a distant dream but an attainable reality. Oando Foundation aims to build on this momentum with continued initiatives that provide mentorship, educational resources, and ongoing support. However, these efforts can only be successful with the support and engagement of the public. We all have a role to play in promoting gender equality in STEM fields, whether it's through mentorship, advocacy, or financial support.
