In celebration of International Women’s Month, Oando Foundation has reaffirmed its commitment to advancing education for young girls and increasing female representation in Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics (STEM) fields.
Through an event hosted at its Lagos headquarters, the foundation aimed to break down long-standing stereotypes and inspire girls to pursue STEM education. Oando Foundation emphasized that gender equality in Nigeria—especially in education and professional development—still faces significant cultural and systemic obstacles.
Despite some progress, women remain underrepresented in STEM. Citing data from the National Bureau of Statistics, the foundation noted that women account for only about 22 percent of STEM graduates across the country. Persistent gender biases, a lack of female role models, and societal expectations continue to discourage girls from considering careers in these fields.
As part of its grassroots approach, Oando Foundation welcomed girls from Dele Ajomale School Complex—one of its Adopt-A-School Program beneficiaries—for an immersive experience designed to expose them to diverse opportunities in the energy sector. The event included a guided tour of the company’s headquarters, where students engaged with female professionals who shared their personal journeys and offered motivation.
Tonia Uduimoh, Head of Oando Foundation, addressed the students, expressing hope that the experience would help them broaden their horizons and realise their potential. “As you observe the women here, working in various roles, I believe something will resonate within you, showing you just how far you can go,” she said.
Many of the girls left the event with a renewed interest in STEM and a clearer vision of their career goals. The foundation described this outcome as a testament to the power of early intervention and exposure in shaping the ambitions of young girls.
Oando Foundation reiterated that such initiatives are vital in the broader effort to close the gender gap in STEM. This perspective aligns with the sentiments of Uche Nnaji, Minister of Innovation, Science, and Technology, who recently noted that achieving gender equality in STEM remains a work in progress.
The foundation’s dedication to empowering Nigerian girls and challenging outdated norms continues to be echoed throughout the country’s energy and education sectors.
