By joshua 
Rev Eyoanwan Otu Girls in STEM Scheme trains over 3000 girls
… Awards scholarships to exceptional students
The Rev Eyoanwan Otu Girls in STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics) Project launched in September last year by Rev Eyoanwan Otu, wife of Governor Bassey Otu of Cross River State, has successfully trained over 3,000 girls across the three senatorial zones of the state, arming them with vital skills in gaming, coding, robotics and programming, while also awarding scholarships to exceptional students.
This was disclosed in a report written by the Rev Eyoanwan Otu Girls in STEM Project Team to assess the scheme one year after it was initiated by the Cross River’s first lady.
According to the report, “In September 2023, the Rev. Eyoanwan Otu Girls in STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics) Project was launched as an ambitious initiative to inspire and empower young girls from the rivers of Bakassi to the hills of Obanliku of Cross River State to embrace STEM fields. Now, a year later, the project’s impact has been both profound and far-reaching, with over 3,000 girls trained across the state’s three senatorial districts, equipped with critical skills in gaming, robotics, coding, and programming.
“The project’s inception came at a crucial time when the world was witnessing an increasing demand for STEM professionals, yet a persistent gender gap remained in Nigeria nay Cross River. Recognizing this gap, Rev. Eyoanwan Otu, the wife of the Cross River State Governor, launched this initiative to address the imbalance and offer young girls the tools and opportunities to pursue STEM careers. What began as a vision to spark interest in STEM has now evolved into a full-fledged movement, propelling young girls towards a future brimming with possibilities.”
It indicated that “The curriculum, which focuses on basic computing, coding, robotics, and gaming, has been tailored to meet the needs and interests of young girls, helping them to develop not only technical skills but also problem-solving proficiencies, critical thinking, and creativity. These skills are essential in the 21st-century workforce, positioning participants to excel in fields that will define the future of global economies.
“The project has been more than just about skills; it has also emphasized mentorship and career guidance. Facilitators and educators from Guru Innovation Hub, a leading technology cluster in the state, have been instrumental in nurturing the girls’ potential, providing them with the knowledge and support to visualize long-term careers in STEM. This mentorship has made the program holistic, ensuring that it’s not just about learning but about shaping futures.”
The report equally revealed that “The project has awarded scholarships to exceptional students, further underlining the commitment to long-term educational empowerment.
“These scholarships, offered to those who excel in the SSCE exams and show clear intent to pursue STEM careers, act as a springboard for greater opportunities, ensuring that financial barriers do not limit the future of Cross River’s bright young minds.”
It further noted that “As the world continues to move towards a digital and technology-driven future, the Girls in STEM project is playing a pivotal role in preparing Cross River’s youth for the opportunities and challenges ahead. By fostering interest in STEM at a young age, the program is creating a pipeline of talent that will contribute to Nigeria’s technological and economic development. The state’s government, led by Governor Bassey Otu, through its ‘People’s First’ initiative, has been steadfast in supporting this vision, ensuring that the youth are equipped with the necessary tools to thrive in an ever-evolving landscape.”