RAGA 2018- Equipping Girls for Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics (STEM) for Sustainable Development

 Introduction

STEM is an acronym for Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics. It is an acronym that was coined to address the current and future shortage of skilled workers in high-tech fields, and the inadequate education of students in these areas. It’s believed that, by teaching these subjects together, in an inter-disciplinary cohesive approach, STEM education will be more relevant and fun (and thus attract more students), and will develop the sort of critical thinking skills needed in the high-tech workforce, both now and in the future (UNESCO, 2017). The shortage of skilled workers and students in STEM is only half of the story. More alarming is the shortage of female skilled workers and students in STEM. Statistics vary by country and by discipline, but generally speaking, women make up only 15-25% of the current STEM workforce, and the gap continues to widen (UNESCO, 2017). RAGA 2018 Conference seeks interventions as matters for human rights, for inclusion, for sustainable development. Particular obstacles that keep female students away from STEM need be understood. The interests of girls need to be stimulated from the earliest years, to combat stereotypes, to sensitize teachers and to encourage girls to pursue STEM careers. There is for educational institutions to develop curricula that are gender-sensitive and inclusive; as well as girls and women mentorship to change mindsets.

Academics, Independent researchers, Non-governmental organisations, International agencies are invited to submit scholarly papers, field reports, posters and abstracts to the conference. We invite papers, posters and presentations from the fields of Humanities, Social Sciences and Core Sciences. We expect to have a multi-disciplinary approach to the theory, practice and the teaching and learning of STEM, espcially as them affect girls in and outside the classroom. 

At this conference, Secondary School students (boys and girls) will have the opportunity of attending the pre-conference and the opeining ceremony. Girls from within and outside Nigeria are invited to submit essays and creative/visual arts in a competition that is open to Junior and Senior Secondary School Students (GIRLS ONLY).

SUB-THEMES: Centre around but not limited to the following:

• Equipping Girls for Involvement in Science for Sustainable Development
• Equipping Girls for Involvement in Technology for Sustainable Development
• Equipping Girls for Involvement in Engineering for Sustainable Development
• Equipping Girls for Involvement in Mathematics for Sustainable Development
• Equipping girls for Careers in Science Education for Sustainable Development
• Equipping girls for Careers in Educational Technology for Sustainable Development
• Equipping girls for Careers in Engineering Education for Sustainable Development
•  Equipping girls for Careers in Mathematics Education for Sustainable Development
• Strategies  for Gender Sensitive STEM Curriculum
• Equipping Teachers for inclusive STEM methodologies
• Gender, Education and STEM

IMPORTANT DATES

Submission of Abstracts   May 10, 2018

Notification of Abstracts   June 30, 2018

Full Paper Submission       July 10, 2018

CONFERENCE INFORMATION

Full Paper is a completely developed written, scholarly product documenting research, presenting theories, or arguing a particular point of view within the subject of girls, women and STEM. A scholarly paper should have NOT been previously presented at another academic conference.

ABSTRACT SUBMISSION
Abstract of not more than 250 words should be sent as email attachment in WORD FORMAT to any of the following:
raga2018conference@gylgfoundation.org; 
ragaconference@gmail.com

For consideration of your abstract, the following information must be included:
• Name, mailing address, phone, and e-mail of the first author;
• Names, affiliations, and e-mails of the co-authors;
• Complete contact information of the corresponding author if other than the
first author;
• Identification of the abstract as invited or student paper;
• Assignment of abstract category based on the sub-themes provided.

 A FULL PAPER

• NOT have been previously presented at another academic conference, accepted for publication (by the date it was uploaded into the conference system), or published;
• Be completed in the following format: Times New Roman 12-point font, double spaced, 1-inch (2.5 cm) margin, and 8.5 by 11 inch page setting (APA 6th is required);
• Have a page count within the range of 15-25 pages, double-spaced (including figures, table, references); and
• Be submitted as a Word document.
• All papers will be published in conference proceedings
• All abstract will be published in conference collection of abstracts (CD ROM)

IMPORTANT INFORMATION:

Selected quality papers will be published in the Faculty of Arts & Education Journal, Lead City University, Ibadan.

                                                                                  Lead Paper Presenters

Prof. Ayotola Aremu

Professor of Educational Technology, University of Ibadan. Nigeria

Prof. Rabia Salihu Sa'id

Professor of atmospheric and space-weather physics, Bayero University Kano.Nigeria   

Conference Organizing Committee Co-Chair
Dr. Omolara OLOYEDE- Nigeria
University of Ibadan
oloyedelol@ymail.com

Dr. Felix ERO
Lead City University, Ibadan, Nigeria
bigbeargold123@gmail.com
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PUBLICITY
Dr. A. E. ADESINA
Emmanuel Alayande College of Education, Oyo, Nigeria
draeadesina2015@gmail.com

Bashir USMAN               
University of Maiduguri, Borno, Nigeria
Bashtop75@gmail.com
……………………………………

PUBLICATION
Dr. Abiodun BAMIDELE
College of Education, Lanlate, Eruwa, Oyo, Nigeria
abiodunbamideled@gmail.com
………………………………..
SECRETARY
Victor AKPAN
GYLGF Programme Manager/Conf. Secretary
Victorakpan001@gmail.com
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CONFERENCE IOC 
Dr. Alfred MASINIRE
University of Witwatersrand, South Africa
alfred.masinire@wits.ac.za

Rowdy DUNCAN
Paradise Valley Community College
Phoenix, Arizona, USA
rowdyduncan@cox.net

Eugene Tettey OFFEI
Kwame Nkruma University of Science and 
Technology Ghana (KNUST)
akademixetoo@yahoo.com
……………………………………….

Chief Host:
Professor K. ADEYEMO
Vice Chancellor 
Lead City University, Ibadan
………………………………………………. 
Convener:
Adepeju OTI, Ph.D
Dept. of Arts & Social Sciences Education
Lead City University, Ibadan
…………………………………………………. 
For enquiries, exhibition and sponsorship:gylgfoundation@gmail.com; +234 805 612 9314