At the heart of a movement transforming the future of Nigerian girls in science and technology is Odunayo Sanya, the Executive Director of MTN Foundation, whose vision for inclusion is reshaping access to education and opportunity.
Speaking at the fourth Women in Tech and Engineering Summit held in Abuja, Sanya reaffirmed the Foundation’s commitment to closing the gender gap in Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics (STEM). The summit, hosted by Womenovate in partnership with MTN Foundation, brought together female scientists, innovators, students and change-makers focused on breaking barriers for girls in STEM.
“At MTN, we believe that everyone deserves the benefits of a modern, connected life. And that includes every Nigerian girl,” Sanya declared.
With over 200 girls’ science labs revitalised nationwide and a growing number of female recipients in the Foundation’s annual STEM scholarship programme, Sanya says the results are speaking for themselves.
In a country where women make up less than 22% of STEM professionals, according to the Nigerian Academy of Science, Sanya’s approach stands out for its sustainability.
From the MTN Foundation’s lab refurbishments to mentorship programmes and policy advocacy, Sanya has become a central figure in Nigeria’s efforts to prepare girls for the jobs of tomorrow. The summit, which drew hundreds of secondary school students and professionals, also featured workshops and policy discussions on how to bridge the systemic gaps limiting girls’ participation in STEM.