Kelvin Bowoto
The Lagos State Government’s EKOEXCEL initiative has transformed public elementary education in the state, impacting more than 500,000 students in 1,013 schools.
This comes as the world commemorates the 2024 International Day for Women and Girls in Science, themed ‘Women in Science Leadership: A New Era for Sustainability’.
EKOEXCEL, which was launched in 2019, stands as a powerful testament to our commitment to creating an environment in which girls can thrive in science, technology, engineering, and mathematics (STEM).
Its impact extends beyond academia, actively advocating for gender equality and inspiring young girls to confidently pursue STEM careers.
The curriculum equips instructors with the necessary skills and training to overcome unconscious bias and promote inclusive learning environments.
“STEM is not just for boys,” stated Dr. Nike Ogundari, a renowned Nigerian physicist and advocate for women in science.
“We need the unique perspectives and problem-solving skills of girls to tackle the sustainability challenges facing our world,” she continued.
The narrative of EKOEXCEL would be incomplete without mentioning the outstanding performance of the top three candidates in the 2023 National Common Entrance Examination—all bright young ladies. Ololade Ganiyat, Ugwu Victoria, and Chima Faith Mesomachukwu astounded the nation with their exceptional results.
Furthermore, 50% of the candidates who took the high-stakes examinations from Lagos state public primary schools were girls, and they performed admirably, with 70% of the tracked candidates achieving scores of 70% or higher.
This not only demonstrates the academic abilities of these young girls but also the positive impact of EKOEXCEL in creating an environment where they can thrive.
The achievements of these young girls are complemented by those of trailblazing Nigerian women in STEM. Dr. Ngozi Okonjo-Iweala, Director-General of the World Trade Organization, stated that “the future of Africa depends on young women stepping up and taking their rightful place.”
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Similarly, Professor Francisca Okeke, a renowned astrophysicist and the first female head of the Nigerian Institute of Physics, shares her thoughts, adding, “Girls should know that science is not a male profession.” They should have faith in themselves and pursue their passion for science. “The sky is not the limit; it is simply the starting point.”
These voices, resonating across the country, encourage young girls to dream big and break down glass ceilings.
Fareedah Olawale, a primary 4 student at Our Lady of Fatima Primary School in Mushin, provides compelling testimony to EKOEXCEL’s effectiveness in inspiring young girls to pursue STEM subjects.
Fareedah, formerly drawn to colorful candies, is now inspired to become a software developer.
EKOEXCEL’s “Hour of Code” lesson, celebrated worldwide, opened up a virtual universe of possibilities.
With each coding session, her imagination constructed palaces and characters, all guided by her newfound passion. Fareedah’s coding journey exemplifies the impact that EKOEXCEL can have.
Through engaging projects like “Hour of Code,” girls realize their potential to be tomorrow’s game-changers in just one classroom.
Hon. Shijuade Idowu-Tiamiyu, a Permanent Board Member of LASUBEB, expressed this sentiment during her visit to St. Agnes Nursery and Primary School in Maryland on International Women and Girls in Science Day.
Shijuade delivered an inspiring speech to an enthusiastic group of young girls, encouraging them to pursue careers in STEM and emphasizing the importance of gender equality in education.
“For you to be a top innovator,” she continued, “you must focus on your education, read your books, and listen attentively to your teachers.”
Her words struck a chord with the girls, inspiring and empowering them to pursue their aspirations fearlessly.
EKOEXCEL stated that by nurturing the skills and aspirations of young girls in STEM, it serves as a beacon of hope not only for Lagos State but for the entire country and beyond. These young women, it asserted, are the future leaders, problem-solvers, and innovators who will drive sustainable solutions to tomorrow’s challenges.
Techrectory with Agency Report.
