By Simbo Olayinka
On a bright sunny day at the Ogun State Government Science and Technical College, Igbesa, a 15-year-old female learner eagerly examined a leaflet detailing her desired career path. Although she aspired to become an auto mechanic, her guardian had insisted she pursue catering to assist with the family’s bukateria business.
In many developing countries, including Nigeria, traditional beliefs have long confined women and girls to roles within the home or lower-income trades. This societal norm has significantly limited their economic opportunities and financial independence.
A recent study revealed that women earn 40% less than men, and similar research found that less than 5% of girls enroll in high-income trades at Ogun State Government Science and Technical Colleges. This disparity has contributed to restricted economic opportunities and financial dependence of women on men. The underutilization of women's talents hinders personal and professional growth, provides fewer opportunities for advancement, and reduces their influence in decision-making processes.
The resultant effect is substantial and cannot be overlooked if the economy is to be revived. However, empowering women and girls to venture into high-income male-dominated trades can significantly challenge these norms and yield transformative benefits.
In a groundbreaking move to challenge long-standing gender norms, the Ogun State government, in collaboration with the World Bank through the Ogun State Economic Transformation Project (OGSTEP), is spearheading initiatives to increase female participation in traditionally male-dominated trades. One such initiative is the Ogun TVET Girls Scholarship, designed to benefit an initial 1,000 girls who enroll in any of the eight Government Science and Technical Colleges for technical trades such as welding, automotive repairs, electrical engineering, carpentry, and joinery. The scholarship covers textbooks, equipment, and stipends for a three-year period, ensuring these young women have the resources they need to succeed.
In a statement signed by the State Commissioner for Education, Science, and Technology, Prof. Abayomi Arigbabu, interested candidates who possess either a Basic Education Certificate or Senior School Certificate are to register for their choice of trade and college free through the Ogun State Education Revitalization Agenda (OGSERA) platform by logging into [ogsera.ogunstate.gov.ng/tvet](http://ogsera.ogunstate.gov.ng/tvet) using their Learner's Identification Number (LIN) from Monday, August 5th, to Friday, August 30th, 2024.
The Ogun State Commissioner for Women Affairs and Social Development, Hon. Adijat Adeleye, emphasized during a sensitization visit to the host communities of the Technical Colleges that the scholarship aims to encourage girls to compete favorably with their male counterparts in the engineering field. This initiative is expected to enhance their economic livelihood and ultimately contribute to the economic advancement of the state and nation.
Moreover, all Government Technical Colleges have undergone rehabilitation, with their laboratories now equipped with modern facilities. This investment in infrastructure ensures that students receive high-quality, practical education that meets global standards.
The economic empowerment of girls in these areas will undoubtedly contribute to poverty reduction and improve living standards. By breaking barriers and challenging gender norms, Ogun State is paving the way for a brighter, more inclusive future for all.
Simbo Olayinka
Communications Officer
Ogun State Economic Transformation Project (OGSTEP)
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