Motivating African Youths Initiative (MAY-I)
In a bold move to bridge the gender gap in Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics (STEM), the Motivating African Youths Initiative (MAY-I) has announced an ambitious plan to empower one million Nigerian women and girls with AI and STEM skills.
Dr. Ogenna Walter, MAY-I Founder, spoke in a press briefing in Abuja. This was to mark the International Day of Women and Girls in Science 2025. She emphasized the urgent need for increased female representation in STEM fields. She urged the federal government to implement policies that support women in STEM, ensuring greater inclusivity and opportunities.
Dr. Ekwubiri highlighted this year’s theme, “Unpacking STEM Careers: Her Voice in Science”. which underscores the importance of breaking barriers, amplifying voices, and creating opportunities for young girls and women in STEM-related careers.
Building on the success of the MAY-I AI Campaign, launched to equip young Africans with AI-driven skills, she reaffirmed the organization’s commitment to ensuring that African women are not just participants but leaders in the global STEM revolution.
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The initiative, set to roll out in Q1 2025, aims to train, mentor, and support women in AI, robotics, and emerging technologies. It will focus on all six geopolitical zones of Nigeria, reaching urban and rural communities alike. Key states include:
- Abia, Enugu, Imo – South East
- Lagos, Osun, Oyo – South West
- Bayelsa, Edo, Delta – South South
- Adamawa, Bauchi, Taraba – North East
- Kaduna, Katsina, Zamfara – North West
- FCT, Kogi, Nasarawa – North Central
Dr. Ekwubiri stressed that the campaign will provide:
- AI and STEM training programs
- Mentorship with leading female scientists and engineers
- Policy advocacy for increased female participation
- Innovation challenges to promote women-led solutions in AI and robotics
She called on policymakers, tech companies, educational institutions, and the media to support the initiative. She urged the private sector to invest in capacity-building programs and schools to integrate AI and STEM education into their curriculum.
Dr. Ekwubiri also emphasized the role of the media in amplifying the voices of women breaking barriers in science, calling for greater visibility and recognition for female scientists and engineers in Nigeria.
With this initiative, Motivating African Youths is setting the stage for a new era of female leadership in STEM, ensuring that no woman or girl is left behind in the tech-driven future.
