International Council for Education, Research and Training

Influence of Inspiring Girls Now In Technology Evolution (IGNITE) in Gender equality in Science, Technology, and Mathematics (STEM) Education in Nigeria

Oluwanisola, Abdulraheem Abdulhakeem

Department of Business Education, School of Vocational and Technical Education, Federal College of Education, Odugbo, Benue State, Nigeria

Abstract

This study explored the roles of Inspiring Girls Now in Technology Evolution (IGNITE) in gender equality, through promoting the participation of girls and developing their interest in science, technology, engineering, and mathematics (STEM) education in Nigeria. IGNITE, a nonprofit, is a network of girls and women who inspire and teach each other. The study adopted both descriptive and survey designed method of quantitative paradigm. 200 school girls and 40 female teachers from 20 senior secondary schools in Katsina and Ilorin, of Katsina and Kwara State respectively were sampled, adopting proportional random sampling procedure. A twelve (12) test items with four-Likert summative scale of ‘Excellent Impart (EI); Good Impart (GI); Fair Impart (FI); and No Impart (NI). Descriptive statistical tools were employed and data were analysed using mean and standard deviation. The paper aims to encourage the girls to pursue careers in STEM, to bridging the gender gap, promoting diversity and inclusion, and in providing networking for girls and women in STEM fields. The findings revealed that IGNITE, through its organized programs, it creates powerful networks of support for women at their place of workplace, its community volunteerism supports share values of diversity and inclusion, it inspires girls to pursue STEM subjects with their friends. It removes barriers facing girls of color so they can see themselves represented in STEM, and it advocates initiatives to close gender gap in STEM Education. The study recommends that mentorship programs where female students can connect with female STEM experts be promoted, to draw a robust curriculum in the teaching of coding and other technology skills, focusing on how STEM experts make an impact on the world, and gender biases attached to mathematics be de-emphasized at home and more in schools for improvement of quality of life, inclusiveness and opportunities in Nigeria. 

Keywords: IGNITE, STEM, gender equality, job shadow, volunteerism

Impact Statement

“Influence of Inspiring Girls Now In Technology Evolution (IGNITE) in Gender equality in Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics (STEM) Education in Nigeria” This study examines the impact of Inspiring Girls Now in Technology Evolution (IGNITE) on gender equality by promoting girls’ participation and interest in STEM education in Nigeria. IGNITE, a nonprofit network of girls and women, fosters inspiration and mutual teaching. Using a descriptive and survey design within a quantitative paradigm, the study sampled 200 school girls and 40 female teachers from senior secondary schools in Katsina and Ilorin. Data were analyzed using descriptive statistics. The findings demonstrate that IGNITE’s programs effectively create supportive networks for women, promote diversity and inclusion, inspire girls to pursue STEM subjects, and address barriers for girls of color. The study emphasizes the importance of mentorship programs connecting female students with STEM experts, the development of robust technology curricula, and the need to challenge gender biases in mathematics. This research underscores IGNITE’s role in bridging the gender gap in STEM, enhancing quality of life, and expanding opportunities for girls in Nigeria.

About The Author

ABDULRAHEEM, Abdulhakeem Oluwanisola, born in 1973 and bred in Bida, Niger State of Nigeria, is a lecturer/researcher, professional educator (certified teacher), a data analyst, fellow cost and management accountant, professional manager, health, security & safety supervisor, and an alumna of U.S. exchange program (IVLP). Abdulhakeem, holds a national diploma in financial studies, a first degree in accounting, master’s degrees in business administration, educational administration & planning, a certificate in computer, data processing & management. He equally holds membership certificates of the Association of Business Educators of Nigeria (ABEN), Young African Leaders Initiative (YALI) Network, Gender Studies Association of Nigeria, Nigerian Institute of Management (NIM), Teachers Registration Council of Nigeria (TRCN), U.S. Govt. Exchange Alumni Association of Nigeria (USGEAAN), the Institute of Chartered Accountants of Nigeria (ICAN), Chartered Institute of Cost & Management Accountants (CICMA) Nigeria, and Royal Society of Academy (RSA), Ibadan, Nigeria. Abdulhakeem, in the past and of very recent got decorated with awards of honour and distinctions as a peer reviewer of books and conference papers. He got high tech advocate award, IGNITE International best practice award, and best student of the year award. He is experience as a volunteer, a messenger, a class teacher, accountant, audit manager, academic board member, college research and innovation committee member, head of department, institution lecturer, non-governmental organisation director, hospital board secretary, and an educational consultant. Abdulhakeem, attended and presented papers at series of conferences, workshops and at seminars. Some of his papers presented include: “Effect of Artificial Intelligence Tools on Accounting Students’ Achievement in Colleges of Education in North-Eastern Nigeria”, “Influence of Inspiring Girls Now In Technology Evolution (IGNITE) in Gender Equality in Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics (STEM) in Nigeria”, “Modifying Accounting Education: Embracing Artificial Intelligence for a Future-Ready Profession in Nigeria” “Impact of Traditional Financial Institutions on Local Business Development and Financial Performance”,  “Effect of Z to A Teaching Approach on Students’ Learning Outcomes in Business Education, “Public Expenditure and Economic Growth in Nigeria” “An Assessment of Administration and Planning of Human Resources and its Impact on Students’ Performance”. “Impacts of Supervision of Instruction on School Staff Efficiency in Senior Secondary Schools, “Management of Cash and Marketable Securities in Small & Medium Financial Intermediaries in Nigeria” “The Impact of Roles of Community Volunteers For School Success” “Impact of Community Banking on Rural Development in Nigeria” “Problems and Prospects of Value Added Tax in Nigeria”, among others. Abdulhakeem’s community services include but not limited to teacher volunteer to community schools, associations’ executive member, books and papers reviewer, non-government organization leader.

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