STEM - NEWS AGENCY OF NIGERIA

Tosin Kolade
Mar, Mon, 2025

Industrialist makes case for empowering women for leadership, STEM

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By Rukayat Moisemhe

An industrialist, Mrs Funlayo Bakare-Okeowo, has outlined key action plans to support women in leadership, business, and Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics (STEM) fields.

Bakare-Okeowo, Chief Executive Officer (CEO) of FAE Envelopes Ltd., have the outline at the Lagos Business School (LBS) 2025 International Women’s Day (IWD) event on Saturday.

She emphasised the need for women to access continuous leadership development and professional growth opportunities to thrive in their careers.

According to her, these opportunities include formal training programmes, leadership workshops, and executive coaching.

She highlighted female leaders like Ngozi Okonjo-Iweala, Mo Abudu, and Dr Lisa Su as proof that women can lead industries to new heights.

The industrialist stressed that investing in women’s economic empowerment fosters gender equality, poverty eradication, and inclusive economic growth.

She noted that women contribute significantly to economies—whether in business, farming, entrepreneurship, employment, or unpaid care work at home.

“One major way to support women in STEM is by establishing strong mentorship programmes offering guidance, support, and networking opportunities to advance their careers,” she said.

She explained that pairing women with experienced mentors builds confidence and provides access to vital industry knowledge.

“Both formal and informal mentorship opportunities are valuable. Formal programmes offer structured meetings and goals, while informal mentoring occurs through casual conversations and peer interactions,” she added.

Bakare-Okeowo also advocated for gender-responsive infrastructure to meet the needs of women and girls, enabling inclusive and sustainable development.

She said infrastructure systems such as energy, transport, water, sanitation, schools, housing, hospitals, waste management, and digital communications could empower women.

She called for greater participation of women and girls in sports and creative arts, urging targeted efforts to create an inclusive and supportive environment.

“A Nigeria where women and girls thrive is a Nigeria that prospers.

“Empowering women and girls is not just a moral imperative; it is a catalyst for Nigeria’s economic growth, social development, and national progress,” she stated. (NAN) (www.nannews.ng).

Edited by Kamal Tayo Oropo

Ismail Abdulaziz
Dec, Sun, 2024

General News

Former VC urges college to broaden STEM education

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By Peter Okolie

A former Acting Vice Chancellor, Imo State University, Prof. Peter Akah, has urged institutions in the country to prioritise Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics (STEM) education.

Akah made the call in a lecture to mark the 75th anniversary celebration of Bishop Shanahan College (BSC), Orlu, near Owerri, on Saturday.

The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that the diamond jubilee celebration, has theme, “Honouring our Past, Celebrating our Present, and Inspiring our Future,”.

It was attended by members of the college alumni, students and prominent Nigerians.

Akah, an alumnus of the college, emphasised the need for the institution to continue evolving to meet the changing demands of society.

He called for the incorporating of sophisticated digital literacy programmes and establishment of coding laboratories to equip students with the necessary skills to thrive in a technologically-advanced society.

“Strategies should be in place to ensure that the curriculum is consistently updated, incorporating critical thinking, problem-solving, and research components that maintain students at the forefront of intellectual and academic growth,” he said.

The former vice chancellor underscored the importance of mentorship programmes, workshops on career development, smart classroom technology and new innovations to maintain the college’s academic track record.

He also called for the construction of a modern sports complex, counselling and wellness centre, among others, at the college.

Akah disclosed that the college had produced 17 professors and five vice chancellors, while a good number had been appointed judges or served in government’s positions.

According to him, there is no area of human endeavours that BSC Old Boys are not doing “fantastically marvelous”, be it engineering, pharmacy, architecture, surveying, civil service, teaching, medicine, religious and traditional institutions or business.

He said the celebration aimed to foster a sense of unity among the community, alumni, and students, and to motivate current and future students on principles that the college had upheld.

In a speech, the National President of BSC Old Boys Association, Hyacinth Mbachu, called for the establishment of more branches in the country and diaspora to foster physical, social interactions among members.

Mbachu commended the Old Boys for embarking on various projects that had lifted the aesthetic value and functionality of the college.

Earlier, the Catholic Bishop of Orlu Diocese, Most Rev. Tochukwu Ukwuoma, urged the alumnus not to lose hope in the face of challenges.

He commended them for celebrating the diamond jubilee and solicited more support from the body to give the college a facelift.

The Principal of the College, Rev. Fr. Chidubem Ohaeri, also assured the association that he would continue to promote morals, character, academic excellence and human development of the students in the college.

NAN reports that the celebration also featured the launch of BSC Endowment Fund, meant to support the college’s development and sustainability. (NAN)(www.nannews.ng)

Edited by Sam Oditah