IWD:Women in Energy push STEM education for national growth

The Women in Energy, Oil and Gas, Delta Chapter, has called for stronger investment in science and technology education to reduce Nigeria’s dependence on foreign innovations.
The group said building local capacity in science-based fields remains key to driving sustainable national development.
Members of the association made the call during a STEM advocacy outreach to students of Ogbe Secondary School, Effurun, Delta State, as part of activities marking the 2026 International Women’s Day celebration.
The programme was organised in collaboration with Women in Chemistry, Chemical Society of Nigeria, Delta Chapter.
Both delegations were led by the Chairperson of WEOG Delta Chapter, Dr Sarah Nwinee.
The outreach aimed to inspire students to pursue careers in Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics while promoting discipline and academic excellence.
Addressing the students during an interactive session, Nwinee stressed the urgent need for young innovators capable of developing home-grown solutions to Nigeria’s technological challenges.
She noted that strengthening local capacity in science and technology would significantly reduce reliance on imported technologies.
“Strengthening local capacity in science and technology is essential for reducing dependence on foreign technologies and advancing sustainable national development,” she said.
Also speaking, the Coordinator of Women in Chemistry, CSN Delta Chapter, Dr Christiana Ogwuche, urged the students to remain focused on their studies and cultivate curiosity in scientific research.
She encouraged them to see themselves as future drivers of Nigeria’s growth in science, energy and technology sectors.
The delegation later toured the school’s science laboratories where they observed the need for improved infrastructure to support effective science education.
The team noted that functional laboratories are critical to helping students develop practical scientific skills and problem-solving abilities.
According to them, strengthening laboratory facilities will help build a strong pipeline of future scientists and engineers in the country.
Meanwhile, during a webinar moderated by Dr Ebinimi Nickson Boms of the Department of Petroleum Engineering, Petroleum Training Institute, the National President of WEOG, Mrs Tolu Longe, called on women to support and mentor younger generations.
She urged women professionals to invest in mentoring at least five young people to create a ripple effect of leadership and guidance.
Speaking on the 2026 International Women’s Day theme, “Give to Gain: Rethinking Growth Through Giving,” Nwinee said the theme highlights the need for collaboration, generosity and solidarity among women.
Also speaking at the webinar, the President of the Global Innovation Institute, Engineer Betty Ugona, urged women to contribute meaningfully to society.
“When we women give, we do not shrink; rather, we expand,” she said.