Governor Babagana Zulum of Borno State has unveiled a groundbreaking initiative aimed at bolstering female education and empowering young women in the fields of Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics (STEM), as well as technical and vocational education. The governor announced a full scholarship program for all indigenous female students who achieved a score of 250 or higher in the 2025 Unified Tertiary Matriculation Examination (UTME). This significant announcement, made during the inauguration of the new executive members of the Association of Professional Women Engineers of Nigeria (APWEN), Maiduguri Chapter, and a scholarship program facilitated by the First Lady, Dr. Habiba Babagana Zulum, signals a strong commitment to bridging the gender gap in these critical fields. The scholarship program is designed to provide crucial financial support, enabling talented young women to pursue higher education and contribute meaningfully to the state’s development.
The governor’s commitment to promoting girl-child education and encouraging female students to pursue STEM careers is rooted in the understanding that these fields are crucial for driving innovation and economic growth. By investing in the education of young women, Borno State is laying the foundation for a brighter future, one where women play a vital role in shaping the technological landscape. The directive to the acting Chief of Staff, the State Scholarship Board, the Ministry of Education, and APWEN to identify and screen eligible candidates reflects the administration’s seriousness in ensuring the effective implementation of the scholarship scheme. This collaborative approach underscores the importance of partnerships between government agencies and professional organizations in advancing educational opportunities for young women.
The governor’s wife, Dr. Habiba Babagana Zulum, delivered a compelling paper titled, “The Role of Mentorship in Encouraging Girls to Pursue Engineering Careers in Nigeria.” Highlighting the significant underrepresentation of women in STEM fields in Nigeria, where they comprise only 14% of the workforce, Dr. Zulum emphasized the crucial role of mentorship in shaping the minds and futures of upcoming generations. Mentorship, she argued, is not merely about providing guidance and support; it’s about building confidence, breaking down stereotypes, fostering critical thinking, and creating access to opportunities that might otherwise remain out of reach. This focus on mentorship complements the scholarship program, providing a holistic approach to empowering young women in STEM.
Dr. Zulum’s advocacy for mentorship underscores the importance of role models and supportive networks in encouraging young girls to pursue careers in traditionally male-dominated fields. By connecting aspiring female engineers with experienced professionals, mentorship programs can help to demystify these fields, build confidence, and provide valuable insights into the challenges and rewards of a STEM career. This approach is particularly crucial in addressing the societal and cultural barriers that often discourage girls from pursuing their interests in science and technology. The First Lady’s initiative highlights the power of mentorship in creating a more inclusive and equitable STEM landscape.
The outgoing APWEN Chairperson, Kori Shettima, expressed immense pride in the association’s accomplishments, particularly in advocating for and mentoring girls in STEM fields. Her reflections underscore the significant impact of APWEN’s work in fostering a supportive environment for women engineers and inspiring young girls to consider careers in these fields. The inauguration of the 4th Chairperson of APWEN, Maiduguri Chapter, Engr. Hajju Tijjani Gazali, signifies the continuation of this important work and the commitment to further strengthening the representation of women in engineering. The event also featured the presentation of scholarships to top-performing female pupils from Wulari Primary School and the best science students from Federal Government Girls College, Monguno, further demonstrating the commitment to nurturing talent at all educational levels.
The combined efforts of Governor Zulum, the First Lady, and APWEN represent a comprehensive approach to addressing the gender gap in STEM fields. The scholarship program provides the necessary financial resources for young women to pursue higher education, while the emphasis on mentorship offers crucial guidance and support to navigate the challenges they may encounter. This multi-pronged strategy is poised to significantly impact the representation of women in STEM in Borno State and beyond, contributing to a more diverse and innovative workforce. The initiative serves as a powerful example of how government, civil society, and professional organizations can collaborate to empower women and create a more equitable future.
