An Exclusive Interview with Dr. Wunmi Hassan
In celebration of International Women’s Day (IWD), HT Exclusive spoke with Dr. Wunmi Hassan, a trailblazer in STEM and an advocate for women and youth empowerment in technology. As the Founder of the High Tech Centre for Nigerian Women and Youth, Dr. Hassan has dedicated her career to breaking barriers, fostering innovation, and mentoring the next generation of women in STEM. In this exclusive interview with our correspondent Ere-ebi Imisi, she shares her journey, the challenges she has faced, and her vision for a more inclusive future in science and technology.
The Journey into STEM
Dr. Wunmi Hassan’s path into STEM was shaped by her academic excellence and passion for science and technology. “I was always good at mathematics, physics, and chemistry, and that naturally steered me towards a science-based career.” Despite familial expectations for her to study medicine, she discovered computer science and felt an instant connection.
“I knew medicine wasn’t for me. When I saw computer science as an option, I chose it without hesitation. It felt right, and I have never looked back.”
Her determination led her to earn a PhD in Technology Management from the Technology Planning and Development Unit (TPDU) at Obafemi Awolowo University, Ile-Ife. She further honed her expertise with a TAGs Degree in Policy Analysis and Performance Evaluation Techniques from the Science Policy Research Unit (SPRU) at Sussex University, UK, and conducted research at the Oxford Internet Institute, Oxford University.
“My journey into STEM was driven by a passion for innovation and problem-solving. Growing up, I was always curious about how things worked, which led me to study computer science and engineering, and my parents supported me. However, the road wasn’t easy. In many cases, I faced biases as a woman in a male-dominated field. But I refused to be limited by societal expectations. I sought opportunities, built my skills, and surrounded myself with mentors who encouraged me to keep pushing forward.”
Overcoming Challenges and Breaking Stereotypes
Dr. Hassan acknowledges that gender stereotypes have historically been a challenge for women in STEM.
“Many years ago, it was common to find only one or two women in engineering or computer science classes, and people would often question why they were there,” she says. “But today, that narrative is changing.”
She believes that dismantling stereotypes begins at home and in schools.
“Parents and teachers play a crucial role in shaping a child’s career path. If a child is excelling in science subjects, they should be encouraged, regardless of gender.”
Through her NGO, Dr. Hassan has actively worked to bridge the gender gap in STEM by creating initiatives that provide training, mentorship, and opportunities for young women.
“We must be deliberate in guiding young girls towards STEM careers. Representation matters. When they see women thriving in tech, they will be inspired to follow suit.”
“The key is exposure and education. Many girls are discouraged from pursuing STEM because they don’t see role models or believe it’s not meant for them. We need to highlight the achievements of women in STEM, create mentorship programmes, and introduce STEM education at an early age. Additionally, parents and teachers should encourage girls to engage in science and technology-related activities. If we normalise the presence of women in STEM, we will naturally break the stereotypes.”
Can you share an experience in your STEM career that you’re particularly proud of, and how it has helped pave the way for other women in the field? “One of my proudest achievements was pioneering the High Tech Centre for Nigerian Women and Youth in 2004. This organisation was created to provide digital and technological training to women and young people, ensuring they are not left behind in the digital revolution. Through this initiative, thousands of women and youth have gained technical skills, leading to financial independence and career advancement.
“Additionally, being selected as an ambassador for the USA Hidden No More – Women in STEM International Visitors Leadership Programme (IVLP) was a recognition of my efforts and further enabled me to advocate for women in STEM on a global stage.”
Can you explain how small-scale technologies can provide sustainable energy solutions at home? “Even if people cannot completely break away from traditional energy sources, they can use small-scale technologies to generate sustainable energy. For example, human and animal waste can be converted into biogas, providing a reliable source of energy for cooking. By installing biogas digesters, households can produce gas daily without relying on expensive liquefied gas. When the gas is exhausted, the remaining material can be used as organic fertiliser, benefiting agriculture and reducing waste.”
What advice would you give to young women who are interested in pursuing STEM careers, and how can we support them in overcoming the unique challenges they may face? “My advice is simple: Learn and keep learning. STEM is a continuously evolving field, and the more knowledge and skills you acquire, the better positioned you will be. Don’t wait for opportunities, seek them out. Be innovative, confident, and persistent. Also, surround yourself with mentors and like-minded individuals who can support and guide you.
“As a society, we must provide scholarships, training programmes, and mentorship opportunities to ensure that young women have the necessary support to thrive in STEM.”
What message do you have for the government and policymakers regarding women in STEM? “While we appreciate existing initiatives, more needs to be done. Governments should partner with community-based organisations and NGOs like ours to invest in technical training programmes.
“For example, we recently held a training session where participants learned to produce high-quality cosmetics using scientific methods. This shows that STEM is not just about traditional careers; it also has applications in entrepreneurship. By funding such programmes, governments can empower more women with practical, income-generating skills.
“Science is the foundation of production. Instead of importing expensive goods, we should focus on local manufacturing. Take China, for example, every household contributes to production, which is why they dominate global markets. Nigeria has the resources and expertise to do the same. We need to shift our mindset and invest in homegrown technology and innovation to drive economic growth.”
What role does digital literacy play in empowering women? “Digital literacy is essential for economic and personal development. It’s not just about using a smartphone; it’s about leveraging technology for e-commerce, marketing, and problem-solving.
“We launched the ‘She Will Connect’ project to teach women how to use computers effectively. However, beyond basic digital skills, we must encourage women to take leadership roles in tech and innovation.
“Let me share an experience. Being selected by the US Embassy to represent Nigeria in the Women in STEM International Visitors Leadership Programme (IVLP) was a great honour. It was an opportunity to showcase our work and learn from global experts. The experience reinforced my belief that women should not just use technology but create it. At Nitech Centre, we focus on hardware development, moving beyond computer science to real-world innovation. If a product like a light bulb exists, why shouldn’t Nigerian women be producing it?”
How many women have you trained through your programmes?
“Over the past 20 years, thousands of women have been trained through our initiatives. We run different programmes for various groups, including ‘Women ICT’ for professionals, ‘Ladies ICT’ for university students, and ‘Girls in ICT’ for schoolgirls. We also have leadership groups for women in STEM. These programmes equip women with valuable skills and knowledge to succeed in the tech industry.
“Our goal is ambitious yet achievable: to train 20,000 women, 20,000 girls, and 20,000 boys in STEM. We believe this will create a ripple effect, inspiring more young people to pursue careers in technology and innovation.”
What is your final message to aspiring women in STEM?
Women must embrace digital literacy and technological innovation. STEM is not just for men; women can lead and drive meaningful change in science, technology, and engineering. With the right skills, women can create solutions, build industries, and contribute significantly to economic growth. The future is in our hands, and it’s time for more women to step forward and make an impact.
