A Professor of Soil Science at Michael Okpara University of Agriculture, Umudike, Mabel Ifeoma Onwuka, has commemorated the 2026 International Day of Women and Girls in Science with a practical initiative aimed at inspiring young girls to embrace science.
Prof. Mabel Ifeoma Onwuka with girls during the training session.
Speaking during the programme titled “Catch the Girls Early and Channel Their Interest to Science,” held in Umuahia, Abia state, Prof Onwuka emphasized the need for early exposure to science, noting that it plays a critical role in sustaining young people’s interest in science-related disciplines.
“These girls represent the next generation of scientists. Engaging them early helps prevent declining interest in science courses and keeps them productively occupied,” she said.
The university don disclosed that she has developed simplified learning materials to make Soil Science more appealing and accessible to young girls. She added that gardening, composting, and biochar production not only promote environmental sustainability but also improve access to healthy food and contribute to a cleaner environment.
The founder, Hope for farmers Women and Girls Initiative (HOFWGI), further revealed that a monitoring and evaluation system has been put in place to ensure that participants continue to practice the knowledge gained from the programme, while calling on parents to support and nurture their children’s interest in science and gardening.
Young girls who participated in the initiative were engaged in practical learning in agriculture and environmental sustainability. Activities included a guided tour of the professor’s home garden to stimulate interest in food production, which she linked to Sustainable Development Goal two, as well as hands-on training in compost production using kitchen waste such as food scraps, fruit peels and vegetable remains.
Prior to the practical sessions, Prof Onwuka introduced the girls to Soil Science as a key branch of agriculture concerned with the study of soil, its processes, and its capacity to support plant growth. She explained that soil is a living system, rich in microorganisms essential for maintaining its health and productivity.
Prof. Mabel Ifeoma Onwuka during the training session.
Participants were also introduced to biochar production and taught how to utilize compost effluent for crop irrigation by diluting it with water. The highlight of the programme was the distribution of notebooks containing inspirational quotes, alongside starter packs and seeds to enable the girls to begin their own home gardens.
The event also featured an interactive session where participants asked questions, followed by a vote of thanks delivered by Chinma Azubuko, while parents present commended the initiative as impactful and forward-thinking.
