The Nigerian Women in Information and Technology (NIWIIT) has identified persistent barriers such as low participation, gender bias and inadequate access to learning tools as major obstacles facing girls pursuing Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics (STEM) education.
Speaking at a one-day empowerment programme organised to equip girls with skills and confidence to overcome these challenges, the Chairperson of NIWIIT, Bauchi Chapter, Dr Fatima Zambuk, said deliberate efforts were needed to close the gender gap in STEM fields.
The event, which brought together 30 secondary school girls drawn from across Bauchi State, focused on mentorship, motivation and capacity building.
Zambuk explained that the initiative was designed to dismantle the obstacles limiting girls’ involvement in STEM-related disciplines and careers.
She commended school authorities for their cooperation, stressing that empowering women and girls in technology fosters innovation, stimulates economic development and promotes a more inclusive society.
According to her, women offer valuable perspectives, help solve practical problems and challenge long-standing stereotypes, yet continue to face systemic disadvantages in access and opportunities.
She added that NIWIIT remained committed to mentoring young women, offering training, providing learning resources and advocating policies that promote gender equity within technology-driven sectors.
In a separate presentation, Mrs Zainab Aliyu of the Federal Polytechnic, Bauchi, encouraged girls to embrace STEM careers as a pathway to meaningful national contribution, noting that such fields were open to all, regardless of gender.
Also addressing the participants, Mrs Atika Jibrin, a member of NIWIIT, urged the girls to remain focused, communicate challenges freely and sustain determination in their academic journeys.
She emphasised that persistence, continuous practice and active participation in youth development programmes would enable them to nurture creativity and unlock their full potential.
Earlier, the Chairman of the Nigeria Computer Society (NCS), Bauchi Council, Mr Babayo Abubakar, described STEM disciplines as inclusive, recalling that female pupils often excelled academically during his school years.
He advised the students to cultivate strong interest and confidently pursue careers within the STEM ecosystem.
One of the participants, Miss Titi Ibrahim, expressed appreciation to the organisers and pledged to share the knowledge gained with her peers.