…other zones to follow
Few days ago, in Bauchi State, 21 girls were presented with the first set of scholarships awarded by Association of Professional Women Engineers of Nigeria, APWEN in conjunction with NNPC. The scholarship which was born out of desire to encourage and get more girl-child into engineering was initiated by the Association last year as part of the “Invent it-Build it” initiative which held at all geopolitical zones in the country and also to honour distinguished engineering leaders from the zones.
On 9th of February 2019 the Emir of Misau’s Palace at Misau Emirate, Bauchi State played host to dignitaries from across the country who witnessed the presentation ceremony. Named “Engr. Dr. Maikanti Kachalla Baru Engineering Scholarship for Girls”: 21 girls drawn from original 100 finalists were presented their award at event in presence of their parents and guardians. The scholarship covers their academic journey from Primary School to University level.
Dr Baru, while speaking through his representative, Alhaji Kabir Ahmad Yakaasi, NNPC Executive Director Support services at the event drew a linkage between national development and STEM education saying; “When you think of invention, you think of sciences, technology engineering and mathematics STEM. It is a documented fact that no nation has become powerful and developed without the development of STEM. In short, science is life, STEM is economic drivers and engineers are problem solvers.”
He observed that female gender already has the traits needed to succeed in Science and engineering profession, according to him ” the study of STEM requires you to be diligent and have an eye for details. It requires you to possess the ability to multi-task all of which the females are known for.”
He said that he looks forward to seeing them work in big organizations like NNPC that engage thousands of professionals, some of who are scientists, engineers and technologists. He however advised the girls that they must take education seriously from primary to tertiary level and get engineering degree at the university.
It is a documented fact that no nation has become powerful and developed without the development of STEM.
Earlier in her address, APWEN President, Engr Felicia Nnena Agubata recalled the journey so far from the launching of “Invent it-Build it” on the 21st of April 2018 at Sarki Ahmadu Primary School, Misau and the efforts of the Association in ensuring girls not only study science but also choose the E in STEM- Engineering.
APWEN president making her presentation
“From the initial 100 students from different primary schools who participated in experiments conducted by the Association of Professional Women Engineers of Nigeria (APWEN), a total of twenty-one (21) pupil were selected for the scholarship. However only ten (10) will continue to enjoy the scholarship at SSS 1 level up to the university level with the desire to study Engineering courses.” She said.
She praised the NNPC for the roles toward achievement of the goals aiming at addressing gender imbalance in engineering and also toward ensuring the girls go all the way and practice.
Part of the schedule of the event was visiting Sarki Ahmad Primary school where APWEN is presently constructing an ultra modern Science and technology Laboratory named after their illustrious son and best in class material; Engr. Dr. Maikanti Kachalla Baru Science and Technology Laboratory.
The inspection team were delighted at the progress made at site of the Science Laboratory in the school which has reached 70% completion and urged the school management, teachers and pupils to make the best use of it to maintain and preserve it for the upcoming generation.
They beneficiaries of Engr Dr Mainkanti Baru Engineering Scholarship for girls are: Aishatu Abdullahi, Hauwa A. Shaibu, Fatima A. Ibrahim, Maimunatu Makama, HAfsa M. Rabiu, Zainab Hassan, Aishatu Yussuf, Fatima Ismail, Hassana M. Baba, Khadua Yahaya Rufai, Ummi Abdulahi, Amina Ibrahim, Habibah Saleh, Kaltume Abubakar, Hauwa Adamu, Amina Abdullah, Rakiya M. Sulaiman, Asma’u Yahaya, Hauwa’U Ibrahim, Rukayya Adamu and Humaida Abdulkadir.
“… the study of STEM requires you to be diligent and have an eye for details. It requires you to possess the ability to multi-task all of which the females are known for.”-Dr Maikanti Baru
Dignitaries at the events include: Chairman NSE Bauchi, Engr Dr. M. Alhassan, Past Chairman NSE Bauchi, Engr Usman Abubakar, Head of School Services Misau Local Govt, Past Chairman APWEN Kano chapter, APWEN Bauchi chapter Chair, Engr Mercy Asabe, Engr Dr. Elizabeth Etherigho Technical Secretary APWEN; Engr Idiat Amusu, Engr Nkechi Isigwe both past presidents APWEN; Representative of Emir Of Misau Bauchi State Alhaji Sarikin Sumawa Misau.
Others are Representative of Group Managing Director NNPC, Alhaji Kabir Ahmad Yakaasi , Executive director Support Services NNPC, Engr. Vera Ntofon; Representative of Commissioner of Education Bauchi State , Alhaji Abubakar Yunusa ; NSE Victoria Island Branch Chair, Engr Rose Madaki; Chair NSE ikeja Branch, Engr. Funmilade Akingbagbohun, and host of others.
Invent it, Build it is a girl-child education initiative of the Association of Professional Women Engineers of Nigeria (APWEN) in Partnership with the Nigerian National Petroleum Corporation (NNPC). It was designed to ignite passion for the engineering profession in young girls and showcase the socio-economic value and application of engineering in everyday life. Girls aged 8 to 10 years in upper primary school was targeted and the scholarship stays up till to their university level. The Invent It, Build It programme covers the six geo political zones in Nigeria and already we haves covered Five out of the six, and we are not stopping till we complete the last.
Thanks to all the NNPC workers for doing a very good job here in misau
May continue to enjoy God’s mercy till eternity