By IFEOMA AKA

Organization of Women in Science in the Developing World (WOSD), has said that many young girls in Africa abandon science courses because of lack of mentoring and fear.

Dr. Adachukwu Ikeyi, Coordinator of the organisation in the Institute of Management and Technology (IMT), Enugu, made the observation in Enugu on Wednesday in commemoration of the International Day for Women and Girls in Science.

The theme of the day is “Women and Girls in Science Leadership: A New Era for Sustainability”.

The coordinator noted that those younger ones in the third world countries had lost interest because of political leadership noting that women could change the narrative as they were good in research.

Ikeyi said that the group came together to make them understand the beauty of science.

She however, encouraged young girls in the country to go into science courses to enhance economic development.

In her remarks, Dr. Chidimma Okafor from the Department of Biological Sciences, Godfrey Okoye University, Enugu, said the main purpose was to empower the next generation of scientists as most secondary school students were loosing interest in science.

Okafor explained that for one to be a successful scientist, the person needed to be determined, committed and engaged in study groups.

She said that some students were faced with some challenges which included lack of resources, lack of confidence, fear, limited education resources and lack of purpose.

Also speaking, Dr. Gloria Onah from the Department of Science and Laboratory Technology, IMT, said that the students were taught to rise above ignorance, fear and they should work hard, be courageous so that they would be great in life.

One of the students, Miss Iruoma Okoye from the Forham International Secondary School, Enugu, expressed happiness over the gesture adding that she had learnt how to remove fear in her life.

(NAN)

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