The Minister of Education, Dr Tunji Alausa, has disclosed that girls account for only 35% of participation in Science, Technology, Engineering, Mathematics, and Medical Sciences in Nigeria, calling for stronger efforts to draw more female students into science and technology fields.

Speaking at the Nigeria Educational Supplies Summit in Lagos, themed "Resilience in Motion: Schools Leading Change," the Minister, represented by his Special Adviser on STEMM and Corporate Sector Engagement, Dr Adetola Salau, stressed that increasing girls' participation in STEMM was critical to Nigeria's future workforce. He urged schools, mentors and other stakeholders to deliberately inspire female students to pursue science related careers.

Alausa noted that more mentors were needed in schools to speak with girls and encourage their participation in STEMM during classroom activities. He explained that STEMM is one of six pillars of the Nigeria Education Sector Renewal Initiative, which the Federal Ministry of Education expanded in 2025 to align education with national manpower needs in healthcare, engineering, and technology through partnerships with tertiary institutions and the private sector.

The Minister urged schools not to wait for ideal conditions before implementing practical science education, citing his own experience running a STEMM programme using bottle tops, cups, and brooms to teach engineering design without sophisticated equipment. He added that the Ministry evaluates its STEMM programmes monthly and encouraged schools to tap into Federal Government initiatives linked to Technical and Vocational Education and Training.

The Lagos State Commissioner for Basic and Secondary Education, Jamiu Ali Balogun, described innovation as the fulcrum of growth and development, calling for collaboration and private sector partnership to fund education, which he described as capital intensive. He stressed that education policies must be sustainable and periodically reviewed in line with global best practices.

Other speakers at the summit included the Proprietor of Valencia Schools and Greenwood British School, Ibadan, Goodness Morakinyo, who urged school owners to adopt data driven management. Founder of Chronicles Software Development Company Limited, Oluwakoyejo Oluwatosin, called on educators to embrace artificial intelligence, while the Commissioner for Education, Enugu State, Professor Ndubueze Mbah, highlighted efforts to deploy smart schools and AI technologies.

The summit was convened by Mr Tayo Osiyemi and brought together school owners, policymakers, educators, and business leaders from across the country.