Women in Chemistry has called on the Niger Delta Development Commission, the North East Development Commission, and other relevant agencies to prioritise education by equipping schools with functional science laboratories.
Expressing concern over the poor state of science laboratories in many Nigerian schools, the group warned that “poor learning conditions are discouraging young girls from thriving in the sciences, particularly Chemistry.”
In urging agencies to rise to the occasion, WIC lamented that “science is often studied in environments that are not conducive to effective learning, discouraging many students from excelling in chemistry and other science-related subjects.”
The remarks were made by WIC Coordinator, Dr Sarah Nwinee, during the International Union of Pure and Applied Chemistry 2026 Global Women’s Breakfast, held on Tuesday, at the Petroleum Training Institute, Effurun, Delta State. The annual hybrid programme is organised worldwide by Women in Chemistry under the Chemical Society of Nigeria.
The 2026 edition, themed “Many Voices, One Science,” brought together women chemists, educators, professionals, and students to celebrate achievements in chemistry, promote collaboration, and encourage young girls to pursue careers in science.
Dr Nwinee highlighted the event’s role as a platform for women scientists worldwide to collaborate, network, and share ideas on advancing research and scientific development. She described the 2026 edition as special, marking her final year as Coordinator, a role she has held since 2021.
Speaking on the quiz incorporated into the programme, she said it goes beyond winning prizes, aiming to help young girls build confidence and excel academically.
“Many schools no longer have functional laboratories, yet students are expected to sit for WAEC examinations without adequate practical exposure. I appeal to the NDDC, NEDC, and others to prioritise education,” she said.
Dr Nwinee added that the value of competition prizes was increased fivefold, from N50,000, N30,000, and N20,000 to N250,000, N150,000, and N100,000, respectively, to encourage students to take their studies seriously.
In her keynote address titled “Many Voices, One Science,” Dr Mariefel Olarte stressed the need for scientists to enhance transparency and competence, likening life to riding a bicycle, where maintaining balance requires constant movement, and emphasised independence in science.
Presenting a paper on “Enhancing the Contribution of Chemists to Sustainable Oil and Gas Development,” CEO of the Society of Petroleum Engineers, Simon Seaton, underscored the need to integrate chemistry more effectively into oil and gas production processes.
Chairman of the Chemical Society of Nigeria, Delta Chapter, Prof Ellas Elemike, said the programme serves as a platform to review the progress made by women in science, inspire younger generations, and ensure sustainability within the scientific community as older professionals gradually retire.
He emphasised that attracting more girls to chemistry requires changing how science is taught in schools and highlighted CSN’s “Train the Trainer” initiative, which equips secondary school teachers with improved methods for teaching both theoretical and practical science, helping students see science as part of everyday life rather than an abstract concept.
