Nneamaka Chisom Onyebuchi, is a passionate advocate for girls in Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics (STEM) education.
A staff of National Examinations Council (NECO), she has been driving voluntary STEM advocacy initiatives under the umbrella of Tech4Dev, a non-profit organization.
In this interview, she speaks on her outreach to female students across Northern Nigeria and how she has inspired them to embrace STEM education.
Your commitment to STEM advocacy for girls is remarkable. What inspired you to take up this cause?
My inspiration stems from the gender gap in STEM fields, especially in Nigeria. As someone deeply involved in education, I see firsthand how girls often shy away from science, technology, engineering, and mathematics due to societal stereotypes and a lack of role models. I wanted to change that narrative by showing young girls that they too can excel in STEM.
You’ve been actively engaging in STEM advocacy for female students aged 10 to 22. Can you share some highlights of your journey over the past two years?
Certainly through Tech4Dev, I have carried out STEM advocacy drives in different parts of Northern Nigeria. One of the significant milestones was during the International Day of the Girl Child in October 2023, where I led an advocacy drive at McPherson International School in Birnin Kebbi, North West Nigeria. It was inspiring to see young girls eager to explore STEM.
Additionally, during International Women’s Day in March 2024, I organized a series of advocacy drives in the Federal Capital Territory, Abuja. We engaged students at The Primerose International Academy, Government Secondary School Kubwa, and Heritage Fountain Academy, all in Kubwa, Abuja. These sessions focused on hands-on STEM activities, career guidance, and mentorship to encourage more girls to venture into STEM fields.
What were some of the key messages you conveyed to the students during these advocacy drives?
The key messages revolved around three major themes. First, we let the girls know that STEM is for everyone. We did this by debunking the myth that science and technology are male-dominated fields.
Secondly, we let them know that there are opportunities in STEM. We did this by showcasing career paths and real-life success stories of women in STEM to inspire the students. And thirdly, we engaged them in practical engagements where we highlighted the need for them to embrace Artificial Intelligence (AI) in education as the future of education lies in such technology.
How have these advocacy efforts been received by students, schools, and parents?
The response has been overwhelmingly positive. Many students expressed a newfound interest in STEM subjects, and some have even enrolled in STEM clubs or competitions after our sessions. Teachers and school administrators have also been very supportive, with some schools integrating STEM-focused extra curricular activities. Parents too have shown appreciation, as they now understand the importance of encouraging their daughters to explore STEM careers.
What challenges have you faced in promoting girls in STEM, and how have you overcome them?
One major challenge is the deep-rooted stereotype that STEM is not for girls. Some students lack confidence in their abilities, and some parents and educators still hold traditional views on gender roles in education.
To overcome these challenges, we used real-life examples of successful women in STEM, hands-on activities to build confidence, and continuous engagement with stakeholders to change perceptions.
Another challenge is access to resources and funding for more extensive outreach. However, through collaboration with organizations like Tech4Dev and local schools has helped mitigate this.
What do you envision for the future of girls in STEM in Nigeria?
I envision a future where more Nigerian girls confidently pursue STEM careers, breaking barriers and driving innovation. I believe with consistent advocacy, mentorship, and policy support, we can significantly close the gender gap in STEM fields. My goal is to continue expanding these advocacy initiatives to reach more schools and communities, especially in underserved areas in Northern Nigeria.
What message would you like to leave for young girls aspiring to enter the STEM field?
To every young girl out there: You are capable, intelligent, and have the potential to excel in STEM. Do not let societal norms define your dreams. Embrace curiosity, seek knowledge, and take advantage of opportunities to learn. The world needs more women in STEM, and you can be one of them.
