The Federal Government has expressed concern over the declining performance of female students in examinations across the country.

The Minister of Education, Prof. Tahir Mamman, highlighted the trend during the closing ceremony of a Technical and Vocational Education Training (TVET) camp for girls in Uyo, the capital of Akwa Ibom State.
While the minister did not specify the causes of the drop in performance, he emphasized the importance of the camp in fostering female students’ interest in skills acquisition and entrepreneurship. He urged them to remain committed to their studies to improve their academic performance.

Mamman stressed that President Bola Tinubu’s administration is focused on developing students with both academic qualifications and practical skills to meet the demands of the evolving economy. He reaffirmed the Federal Government’s dedication to promoting knowledge and skills-based education for young Nigerians, which he believes will accelerate the country’s economic and industrial development.

“The focus on knowledge and skill-based education will play a crucial role in fostering rapid economic and industrial growth,” Mamman noted.

A total of 290 students from 29 federal science and technical colleges participated in the two-week programme, themed “Painting for the Future.”

The minister explained that the goal of the camp was to stimulate creative abilities, promote healthy competition, and encourage innovation among female students. He also commended the African Development Bank for its partnership with the Federal Ministry of Education on the initiative.

The Akwa Ibom State Commissioner for Education, Idongesit Etiebet, lauded the programme, calling it a well-timed intervention. She urged the participants to apply the lessons learned during the training to improve their personal development and prepare for future challenges.