The Association of Professional Women Engineers of Nigeria (APWEN), Maiduguri Chapter, in collaboration with the Special Adviser to the Borno State Governor on Works, Engr. Kori Shettima, on Saturday commemorated the International Day of the Girl Child with a scholarship award ceremony and educational donations at Yerwa Government Girls Secondary School, Maiduguri.
The event, themed “The Girl I Am, The Change I Lead: Girls on the Frontline in Crises,” aimed to inspire and empower young girls to pursue education and careers in Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics (STEM).
Speaking during the ceremony, the Chairperson of APWEN Maiduguri Chapter, Engr. Hajju Tijjani Gazali, MNSE, FNIEE, donated 20 school bags filled with exercise books to students of the school.
She urged the girls to remain focused on their education and see STEM as a viable path to transforming their communities.
“Young girls must be encouraged to dream big and work hard. Engineering and science are powerful tools to change society, and you all have the potential to lead that change,” Gazali said.
Also speaking, Engr. Kori Shettima, FNSE, FNICE, reaffirmed her commitment to promoting girls’ education, announcing a donation of ₦1.1 million and a large consignment of exercise books to the school.
Shettima lauded the efforts of APWEN and called on stakeholders to invest more in the education and empowerment of the girl child, especially in crisis-affected regions.
In her remarks, the Principal of Yerwa Government Girls Secondary School, Hajiya Fatima Muhammad Dauda, expressed gratitude to APWEN and Engr. Shettima for selecting the school as the host for the event.
She said the programme had rekindled hope and ambition among the students and would serve as a motivation for them to pursue excellence.
The event was attended by the Vice Chairman of the Nigerian Society of Engineers (NSE), Maiduguri Branch, Engr. Jidda Amma, members of APWEN Maiduguri Chapter, and other dignitaries who reiterated their commitment to advancing girl-child education and inclusion in STEM.
Highlights of the occasion included motivational talks, goodwill messages, scholarship presentations, and interactive sessions with professional female engineers.
APWEN Maiduguri Chapter also extended special appreciation to Engr. Aisha Gazali, MNSE, MNICE, and Engr. Halima Baba Dauda, MNSE, MNICE, for their dedication and coordination in ensuring the success of the programme.
The International Day of the Girl Child is observed annually on October 11 to highlight and address the needs and challenges girls face, while promoting their empowerment and the fulfillment of their human rights.
