The Dbegotin Educational Foundation has unveiled the second edition of its flagship empowerment initiative, Girls Yielding Science and Technology (GYST) 2.0, designed to increase female participation in science, technology, engineering, and mathematics (STEM) fields across Nigeria.
The initiative seeks to bridge the gender gap in STEM by providing young female students with relevant skills, mentorship, and exposure through workshops, conferences, and hands-on projects.
Speaking at the launch, the founder and Executive Director of the Foundation, Mr Jeremiah Oseni, emphasised the transformative impact of providing opportunities for young girls.
“GYST was borne out of a simple yet powerful idea: that when girls are given the right opportunities, there is no limit to what they can achieve,” he said. “We watched students become more confident, double their efforts in science subjects, and begin to dream bigger. Today, we are launching GYST 2.0 with renewed energy and wider reach.”
Mr Oseni noted that while the first edition of the programme was implemented in five schools within the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), the second edition will expand to four additional states—Niger, Plateau, Kogi, and Kwara. The initiative aims to reach over 100 girls with STEM-focused training and mentorship.
“This launch is more than just a ceremony. It is a celebration of dreams, resilience, and our unwavering commitment to creating a future where no girl is left behind,” he added.
Also speaking at the event, Dr Safiya Tamanuwa, a director of the FCT Administration, commended the initiative and underscored the need for greater female representation in science and technology. She urged civil society and non-governmental organisations to collaborate in fostering girls’ interest and participation in STEM fields.
In a goodwill message, Dr Vitalis Anya, a lecturer at the African University of Science and Technology, pledged his support for the programme and encouraged stakeholders to work together in nurturing Nigeria’s future female scientists and innovators.
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