The Minister of Education, Prof. Tahir Mamman, has expressed concern over a decline in female students’ performance in recent examinations. Speaking at the conclusion of a technical and vocational education training camp for girls in Uyo, Akwa Ibom State, Mamman did not specify the reasons for the drop but emphasized the importance of encouraging girls to pursue skills acquisition and entrepreneurship.
He highlighted that the camp aimed to spark female students’ interest in these areas and urged them to remain dedicated to their studies. The minister reiterated the Federal Government’s commitment, under President Bola Tinubu’s administration, to providing education that balances both academic certification and practical skills.
Mamman stated that the government’s focus on knowledge and skill-based education would contribute to Nigeria’s rapid economic and industrial growth. The two-week programme, themed “Painting for the Future,” involved 290 students from 29 federal science technical colleges. It was designed to foster innovation and creativity among participants while promoting healthy competition.
The Commissioner for Education in Akwa Ibom, Idongesit Etiebet, praised the initiative, describing it as timely and valuable. She encouraged the students to apply the knowledge gained to improve their future prospects. The programme received support from the African Development Bank, which partnered with the Federal Ministry of Education.
