LASUBEB Reaffirms Push for Girls in STEM, Vows Inclusive Science Education in Public Schools

The Lagos State Universal Basic Education Board (LASUBEB) has reiterated its commitment to strengthening Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics (STEM) education in public schools, with a renewed focus on empowering girls to actively participate in science, technology, and innovation.

Chairman of LASUBEB, Dr. Hakeem Babatunde Shittu, made this known during the 2026 International Day of Education and International Day of Women and Girls in Science celebration organised by the Association of Childhood Education Practitioners (ACEP) in Lagos.

Speaking at the event, Shittu commended ACEP for its dedication to quality early childhood and basic education, noting that the future of innovation and national development depends on how intentionally girls are encouraged to embrace STEM from an early stage. He stressed that education remains the foundation of societal transformation and that gender inclusion in STEM must begin at the foundational years of learning.

According to him, early exposure to curiosity, creativity, experimentation, and problem-solving will not only prepare girls for careers in science and technology but also position them as future leaders, inventors, and researchers capable of providing solutions to societal challenges. He added that Lagos State is prioritising inquiry-based learning, digital literacy, innovation, continuous teacher development, and the creation of safe and inclusive learning environments to strengthen STEM teaching in basic education.

Shittu further emphasised that as the world becomes increasingly driven by science and technology, deliberate efforts must be made to ensure that girls are not left behind in the ongoing digital and scientific revolution. He encouraged girls present at the event to see themselves as future scientists, innovators, and creators whose ideas and creativity are essential to national progress.

In her keynote address, Director of the Intergovernmental Group of Twenty-Four (G-24) on International Monetary Affairs and Development, Dr. Iyabo Masha, called for a shift from vision to measurable impact, particularly in emerging fields such as Artificial Intelligence and cybersecurity. She noted that although many Nigerian girls show strong interest in science at the junior secondary level, their participation often declines in advanced STEM fields due to structural and societal barriers, describing the trend as a “leaky pipeline.”

Masha urged stakeholders to build supportive ecosystems that will enable girls to thrive in science and technology, stressing that STEM should be seen as a critical tool for national development, economic growth, and innovation. She also advocated the integration of AI and digital ethics into school curricula to ensure that technological systems reflect Nigeria’s social and cultural realities.

Founder of ACEP Nigeria, Hajia Olaitan Oshodi, said the association was established over two decades ago to shape the future of Nigerian children through purposeful early childhood education. She described the event’s theme, “The Power of Youth in Co-Creating” and “From Vision to Impact: Redefining STEM by Closing the Gap,” as a call to action for policymakers, educators, and parents to bridge gender gaps and dismantle stereotypes that discourage girls from pursuing scientific careers.

The event also featured the recognition of outstanding female students and young professionals in science and digital innovation, with stakeholders reaffirming the need for sustained collaboration among government agencies, educators, parents, and development partners to promote inclusive education and ensure that every girl has equal opportunity to excel in STEM and contribute meaningfully to Nigeria’s development.