In a concerted effort to improve economic opportunities and financial independence among women, 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. This initiative includes scholarships for 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 using their Learner’s Identification Number (LIN) from Monday, August 5th, to Friday, August 30th, 2024.
In a related development, the Ogun State Commissioner for Women Affairs and Social Development, Hon. Adijat Adeleye, emphasized during a sensitization visit/ community engagement in Ijebu Ode, that the girls’ 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.
Also speaking during the stakeholders engagement, the Project Coordinator Mrs. Mosun Owoodusi, represented by the Project Manager, Skills Development Mr Fatai Osunsanya hinted that all the State Government Technical Colleges are being rehabilitated and equipped with modern facilities to meet global standards
