In a strategic effort to enhance economic opportunities and financial independence for women, the Ogun State Government, in partnership with the World Bank through the Ogun State Economic Transformation Project (OGSTEP), is driving initiatives to boost female participation in traditionally male-dominated technical trades.

This initiative includes scholarships for an initial 1,000 girls who enroll in any of the eight Government Science and Technical Colleges, offering trades such as welding, automotive repairs, electrical engineering, carpentry, and joinery.

The scholarship covers textbooks, equipment, and stipends for a three-year duration, ensuring these young women have the necessary resources to excel.

In a statement issued by the State Commissioner for Education, Science and Technology, Prof. Abayomi Arigbabu, eligible candidates who hold either a Basic Education Certificate or Senior School Certificate are invited to register for their preferred trade and college free of charge via 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, during a community engagement in Ijebu Ode, highlighted that the girls’ scholarship is designed to empower them to compete equally with their male counterparts in the engineering sector.

This initiative is expected to improve their economic prospects and contribute to the broader economic growth of the state and nation.

Additionally, during the stakeholders’ engagement, the Project Coordinator, Mrs. Mosun Owoodusi, represented by the Project Manager, Skills Development, Mr. Fatai Osunsanya, noted that all the State Government Technical Colleges are being upgraded with modern facilities to align with global standards.