Group seeks girl child participation in AI, science tech

The Lagos State Commissioner for Basic and Secondary Education, Tolani Jamiu Alli-Balogun, has called for increased participation of girls in science and artificial intelligence (Al) technology.

He made the call at the International Women and Girls in Science and International Day of Education celebration at SUBEB Hall, Maryland, Lagos,
Alli-Balogun encouraged girls to pursue science and AI, stressing that they are not limited to gender roles.

Represented by Adewale Wahab of the Association for Childhood Education Practitioners (ACEP) and National President, Islamiyat Olaitan Oshodi, she emphasised the need for greater participation of girls and women in science and AI to bridge the gender gap in the fields.

She stressed the importance of AI and science education.
 
The event, themed: “Unpacking STEM Careers – Her Voice in Science,” highlighted how technology opens new career opportunities beyond traditional roles.
Prof. Ngozi Okafor of the University of Lagos called for an inclusive society, where women have equal opportunities in STEM.

She cited Dr. Ngozi Okonjo-Iweala, the late Prof. Grace Alele-Williams and Chimamanda Adichie as examples of women who have broken barriers. Emeritus Prof. Pai Obanya, in his keynote address on ‘AI and Education: Preserving Human Agency in a World of Automation’, noted that women make up only 28 per cent of the global STEM workforce and 24 per cent in core STEM roles, urging Nigeria to bridge the gap.