Women in chemistry applaud Delta govt on STEM

Nathan Tamarapreye, Yenagoa

Dr Sarah Nwinee, the Coordinator, Women in Chemistry, Chemical Society of Nigeria (CSN), Delta State chapter has lauded the state government’s commitment to the development of science subjects among secondary school students in the state.

Nwinee gave the commendation during the ‘International Union of Pure and Applied Chemistry (IUPAC), 2024 Global Women’s Breakfast” held on Tuesday 5th March at the Petroleum Training Institute (PTI), Effurun.

The event was convened by the Women in Chemistry, Chemical Society of Nigeria (CSN), Delta chapter and had its theme as: “Catalyzing Diversity in Science”.

The IUPAC event is a yearly programme for Women in Chemistry and it is aimed at celebrating the accomplishments of Women in Science and to inspire younger generations to pursue careers in science.

The coordinator acknowledged the importance of chemistry in transforming our lives particularly now that the world was evolving technologically.

Nwinee in her remark, said that Delta State had been doing extremely well in the annual editions of the National Awokoya Memorial Chemistry Competition sponsored by Chevron Nigeria and it is aimed at promoting Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics (STEM) among the students.

She recalled that Delta State won the 1st, 2nd and 3rd positions in the 2023 edition.

The 1st position was won by Miss Ogbuefi Chinaza Praise of Peniel Academy Boji-Boji Owa, Agbor, Delta State 2nd position was won by Master Lucky Oghenero Triumph of Notre Dame College, Ozoro, Delta State and 3rd position by Miss Osoyoghen Blessing Naomi of Challenge Academy, Udu, Delta State.

“The competition is initiated to promote the study of chemistry among secondary school students. I must thank the state government and the teachers for raising the bar of excellence in the state.

“The Women in Chemistry are deeply thankful to our Sponsors and Supporters for their kindness towards the successful hosting of the event, the Petroleum Training Institute, Aradel Holdings Plc., Pana Holdings Plc., and many other kind-hearted sponsors,” Nwinee said.

Also, Mr Koida Owate, Chairman, Chemical Society of Nigeria (CSN), Delta chapter called on the government to create an enabling environment that would encourage girls to participate actively in science courses. According to Owate, this will help to bridge the existing wide gap between the male counterparts.

“The government as a strong stakeholder in developing the people can provide scholarships to female students that will want to study science courses from the secondary school to the university levels.

“The government can also create an enabling environment that will encourage the girls to study sciences by way of providing them with study aids like textbooks and others.

“On our part, we have incentives put in place to ensure that we have more women in the field of Chemistry and other sciences to enable us to bridge the gap,” Owate said.

Earlier in his goodwill message, Prof. Rufus Sha’Ato, president of the CSN said that sciences were seen as an exclusive reserved for the men and urged the female folks to rise to the challenges.

The keynote speaker, Dr Eniang Nkang frowned at the low enrolment of women in sciences and called for a change in the narrative.

“The attitude of low enrolment of women in science courses must change, that is the essence of this program,” Ntang said.

Dr Sunday Leonard who spoke on the topic: “Fostering resilience in research and innovation for women in STEM” identified cultural belief as a challenge to girl’s participation in sciences. “The United Nations Department of Economic and Social Affairs has submitted that there are about 69 million women and girls in Nigeria and their exclusion from the scientific world represents a tremendous waste of human capital.

“UNESCO figures also reveal women in the minority amongst science researchers. In 121 countries evaluated, women make up 29 per cent of the science researchers and are grossly under-represented in every sector of STEM,” he said.

Leonard also said that the Royal Society of Chemistry data suggested that out of 10,023 members polled, only 31.6 per cent were female Chemists. He said that catalytic strategies to enhance diversity included volunteerism from professional groups, role modelling and mentorship from accomplished professionals.

Leonard recommended that professional bodies like the CSN and the Nigeria Society of Engineers (NSE) should offer scholarships to brilliant girls.

Another speaker, Mrs Ifeoma Chukwuogo in her presentation said that women’s entrepreneurship entailed the process of launching creative businesses.

Speaking on the topic of developing an entrepreneurial mindset for women in Chemistry, Chukwuogo noted that in many countries the value of entrepreneurship, its motivators and essential financial support have been overlooked.

She said that the characteristics of entrepreneurial thinkers included: self-motivation, risk takers, problem solvers, resourcefulness and goal-oriented amongst others.

“Entrepreneurial thinking enables individuals to take risks and embrace failures as part of the learning process. Thus, you can build success from any new opportunities.

“Entrepreneurial thinking is the guaranteed way to grow your business with positive resources and growth inclusive,” she said.

Also, Mrs Toyin Gift who spoke on the topic: “Women leading the way in developing skills for the future of work” stressed the need to spend money wisely.

“If you are not smart with money, it will run away from you. It is important to know how to manage money.

“There is a need to have good business knowledge. Businesses do not run themselves; they are run by people. The highest form of knowledge is inspiration while the lowest form is the assumption,” Gift said.

In attendance were: female science students drawn from the College of Education Demonstration Secondary School, Warri, Alvina High School, Effurun, Challenge Academy School, Udu, Holy Crest Secondary School, Warri, Our Lady’s College, Warri and Uvwiama Secondary School, Agbaro.