By Adenike Lawal
In a push for gender equity in education, Oando Foundation is breaking barriers and rewriting the narrative for young girls in science and technology.
Marking International Women’s Month, the Foundation hosted an inspiring event at its Lagos headquarters, welcoming female students from Dele Ajomale School Complex—one of its Adopt A School partners.
The goal was clear: expose the girls to real-life opportunities in the energy sector and ignite their interest in careers traditionally dominated by men.
With less than a quarter of STEM graduates in Nigeria being women, according to the National Bureau of Statistics, Oando Foundation is tackling the problem where it begins—early education and self-belief.
Tonia Uduimoh, Head of Oando Foundation, encouraged the girls to believe in their potential.
“There is no limit to what you can achieve,” she told the students, urging them to see themselves in the shoes of the professional women they met during the tour.
The students interacted with female engineers, analysts, and managers who shared their stories of grit and growth. For many of the girls, it was the first time seeing women lead in such roles.
The event blended mentorship, storytelling, and exposure, giving the students a rare glimpse into what is possible with ambition and access.
As Nigeria continues to grapple with gender gaps in STEM, Oando Foundation’s grassroots efforts stand as a model for meaningful change—one girl, one story, and one opportunity at a time.
