In September 2023, the Rev. Eyoanwan Otu Girls in STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics) Project was launched as an ambitious initiative to inspire and empower young girls from the rivers of Bakassi to the hills of Obanliku of Cross River state to embrace STEM fields. Now, a year later, the project’s impact has been both profound and far-reaching, with over 3,000 girls trained across the state’s three senatorial districts, equipped with critical skills in gaming, robotics, coding, and programming.
The project’s inception came at a crucial time when the world was witnessing an increasing demand for STEM professionals, yet a persistent gender gap remained in Nigeria nay Cross River. Recognizing this gap, Rev. Eyoanwan Otu, the wife of the Cross River State Governor, launched this initiative to address the imbalance and offer young girls the tools and opportunities to pursue STEM careers. What began as a vision to spark interest in STEM has now evolved into a full-fledged movement, propelling young girls towards a future brimming with possibilities.
Encouraging Participation and Engagement
One of the defining successes of the Girls in STEM project has been its capacity to reach a broad demographic, particularly in underserved and rural areas. Over the past year, the program has successfully expanded to all three senatorial districts of Cross River, encompassing a wide range of communities from Calabar in the South to Ugep in the Central and Obudu in the North. These regions have seen girls in secondary schools engage in dynamic, hands-on learning experiences, sparking a newfound enthusiasm for STEM disciplines.
The curriculum, which focuses on basic computing, coding, robotics, and gaming, has been tailored to meet the needs and interests of young girls, helping them to develop not only technical skills but also problem-solving proficiencies, critical thinking, and creativity. These skills are essential in the 21st-century workforce, positioning participants to excel in fields that will define the future of global economies.
The project has been more than just about skills; it has also emphasized mentorship and career guidance. Facilitators and educators from Guru Innovation Hub, a leading technology cluster in the state, have been instrumental in nurturing the girls’ potential, providing them with the knowledge and support to visualize long-term careers in STEM. This mentorship has made the program holistic, ensuring that it’s not just about learning but about shaping futures.
Creating Opportunities
In its first year, the Girls in STEM project has already achieved significant milestones. Over 3,000 girls have been trained, with many of them making remarkable progress. Some of the alumni have been admitted to tertiary institutions to further their studies in technology-related fields. To foster this progress, the project has awarded scholarships to exceptional students, further underlining the commitment to long-term educational empowerment. These scholarships, offered to those who excel in the SSCE exams and show clear intent to pursue STEM careers, act as a springboard for greater opportunities, ensuring that financial barriers do not limit the future of Cross River’s bright young minds.
Bridging the Gender Gap
One of the core goals of the Rev. Eyoanwan Otu Girls in STEM Project is to bridge the gender gap in STEM fields. Traditionally, these fields have been male-dominated, with girls and women often discouraged from pursuing careers in science and technology. However, the success stories emerging from the program are reshaping the narrative. Girls who might have never considered STEM as an option are now actively engaging in coding challenges, designing robots, and developing video games.
This shift is not just impacting the individual girls involved but is also changing the perceptions of their families and communities. Parents and guardians, who may have previously viewed STEM as a field reserved for boys, are now advocating for their daughters’ participation, recognizing the value and potential these skills hold in the modern world.
Preparing for the Future
As the world continues to move towards a digital and technology-driven future, the Girls in STEM project is playing a pivotal role in preparing Cross River’s youth for the opportunities and challenges ahead. By fostering interest in STEM at a young age, the program is creating a pipeline of talent that will contribute to Nigeria’s technological and economic development. The state’s government, led by Governor Bassey Otu, through its “People’s First” initiative, has been steadfast in supporting this vision, ensuring that the youth are equipped with the necessary tools to thrive in an ever-evolving landscape.
In addition to the technical skills imparted, the project also emphasizes the importance of digital literacy, critical for navigating the future job market. The rise of automation, artificial intelligence, and big data means that the workforce of tomorrow will need to be proficient in STEM disciplines. The Girls in STEM project ensures that Cross River’s young women will not be left behind but will be at the forefront of innovation and change.
Looking Forward
As the Rev. Eyoanwan Otu Girls in STEM Project embarks on its second year, the momentum is only set to grow. Plans are already in place to expand the scope of the project, with a Girls in STEM Reunion Boot Camp which started in 2024 scheduled again for 2025. This boot camp will not only serve as a refresher for past participants but will also introduce new concepts and technologies, ensuring that the girls stay updated with the latest developments in the STEM world. More scholarships and opportunities for advanced learning are also on the horizon, providing a continuous pathway for these young women to achieve their full potential.
Conclusion
The first year of the Rev. Eyoanwan Otu Girls in STEM Project has been nothing short of transformative. Through dedication, vision, and an unwavering commitment to empowering young girls, the project has laid the foundation for a future where Cross River’s youth are equipped with the skills and confidence to thrive in STEM fields. As we look ahead, the continued success of this initiative will undoubtedly contribute to a brighter, more inclusive, and technologically advanced future for Cross River state.
Rev. Eyoanwan Otu’s passion for education, gender equality, and technological advancement stands as a beacon of hope, inspiring a new generation of female innovators, leaders, and change-makers in Cross River, Nigeria and beyond.
-By Eyoanwan Otu Girls in STEM Project Team