By Kayode Olabanji

In a concerted effort to empower young girls and boost female participation in science and technology, the Ondo State Ministry of Youth and Sports Development, in collaboration with the Women’s Technology Empowerment Centre (W.TEC), has graduated over 150 girls under its Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics (STEM) training initiative.

The programme, which commenced in 2023, reached a milestone with a graduation ceremony held at the main hall of Fiwasaye Girls’ Grammar School, Akure. The event was declared open by the Head of Service, Mr. Bayo Philip, who was represented by the Director of Establishments, Mrs. Folake Sanni.

Sanni described the initiative as a laudable reflection of Governor Lucky Aiyedatiwa’s commitment to youth development in the state. She commended W.TEC’s founder, Mrs. Oreoluwa Lesi, for extending the programme to Ondo, noting its significance in breaking gender barriers in the tech industry.

“In the past, the technology space was largely dominated by men, but with this programme, young women are being equipped to become active players. W.TEC has truly made an impactful move, and I applaud their efforts,” she said.

Speaking on behalf of the Permanent Secretary of the Ministry, Mrs. Tolu Adeyemi, Mrs. Kemi Okukpe appreciated W.TEC’s continued support and commitment to sustaining the initiative. She stated that the programme aligns with the administration’s focus on human capital development, which is crucial for the state’s socio-economic growth.

She, however, acknowledged the capital-intensive nature of the sector and stressed the importance of private sector involvement through Public-Private Partnerships (PPP) to achieve holistic development.

Earlier, in her address, W.TEC’s Founder and Executive Director, Mrs. Lesi, thanked the state government for the partnership and hospitality. She disclosed that since its inception 17 years ago, W.TEC has trained hundreds of girls in STEM-related skills, with over 900 graduates to date, including the recent 150.

“Our goal is to increase the representation of women in the tech ecosystem by equipping young girls with the tools and confidence to innovate and lead,” she said.

Encouraging the graduates to believe in their potential, she added, “You can achieve anything you set your mind to if you work hard, remain focused, and never doubt your capabilities.”

Mrs. Lesi also commended the instructors for their passion and resilience in mentoring the girls, despite the challenges associated with introducing young females to the tech world.

Delivering the keynote address, Mrs. Oluwakemisola Ajayi provided insights into building a career in tech. She advised the girls to explore their interests, identify their strengths, seek out learning platforms, and network with mentors.

“As a technician, problem-solving is your first assignment. Technology is fascinating because it evolves constantly—with innovations like artificial intelligence offering vast opportunities. It’s more than coding; it’s about creating real-world solutions,” she said.

In her remarks, Miss Olawale Risola, a student of Adegbola Memorial Grammar School, expressed gratitude to both the Ministry and W.TEC for the platform. She described the training as insightful, noting that she learned how to create a power bank. She encouraged her peers to pursue technology alongside other academic interests.

Similarly, Miss Dogbonjare Toluwani from Fiwasaye Girls’ Grammar School noted that the initiative challenged the stereotype that technology is for men alone. “We now know that women can thrive in tech too. I thank the organisers and urge my peers to embrace tech as it holds numerous opportunities,” she said.

The graduation ceremony featured a debate and a cultural display by the Fiwasaye Cultural Group, who thrilled guests with melodious traditional songs.

Participating schools included Adegbola Memorial Grammar School, Fiwasaye Girls’ Grammar School, CAC Grammar School, Saint Peter’s Grammar School, and Akure High School.