The TechBridge Foundation a not for profit organisation has intensified efforts to advance digital inclusion and STEM education through the successful implementation of the RoboGirls with Ally Boys Initiative 2026, a two-day robotics and technology empowerment programme in Abuja.
The initiative, organised as a pre-conference programme ahead of the Nigeria Women in Information Technology Conference 2026, held in collaboration with Pearls Learning Hub, Management Edge and NEXTgen was designed to equip secondary school students with practical skills in robotics, Artificial Intelligence and emerging technologies.
Fifty students drawn from five secondary schools across the Federal Capital Territory Abuja participated in the immersive learning programme aimed at expanding access to future-focused digital skills, particularly for girls.
According to the Honourary Chair, TechBridge Foundation Iklima Musa Salihu; “Across Northern Nigeria and Africa, there is immense untapped talent and ambition among women, but many are held back by barriers of access, mentorship, infrastructure, and opportunity.”
The participating schools were Government Secondary School, Bwari; Government Secondary School, Gwarinpa; Model Secondary School, Maitama; School for the Gifted, Gwagwalada; and Government Secondary School, Kuje.
The two day hands-on training featured introduction to foundational concepts in robotics, Artificial Intelligence and the Internet of Things, and a structured robotics competition where participants applied their newly acquired knowledge in timed challenges involving robotic car construction and blinking LED circuit tasks.
At the end of the competition, Government Secondary School, Kuje emerged first, while School for the Gifted, Gwagwalada and Government Secondary School, Gwarinpa placed second and third respectively.
The programme focused strongly on experiential learning, allowing students to assemble robotic components, build circuits and solve engineering challenges collaboratively.
It also promoted inclusivity and allyship in STEM spaces by encouraging girls and boys to work together while developing communication, teamwork and problem-solving skills.
The top three schools are expected to proceed to the upcoming Nigeria Women in Information Technology Conference 2026 scheduled for June 24, 2026.
Meanwhile, the foundation also successfully implemented EmpowerHer Series 2, a two-day digital skills and capacity-building programme held at Nile University.
The programme focused on strengthening digital literacy, creativity and technology adoption among young women through practical learning sessions and collaborative activities.
The first day centred on Canva for Academic and Science Use, where participants explored digital literacy concepts, design principles and visual communication techniques for academic and scientific presentations.
The second day focused on Google productivity tools, exposing participants to platforms supporting learning, collaboration, research and academic work, including Google Docs, Slides, Forms, Drive and AI-enabled learning tools.
The programme concluded with participant showcases, certification activities, interviews and feedback sessions aimed at reinforcing learning outcomes and encouraging confidence among participants.
Observers commending initiatives such as RoboGirls with Ally Boys and EmpowerHer Series 2 say they reflect a broader commitment to creating inclusive opportunities that prepare young Nigerians, especially girls and young women, for careers in technology, innovation and leadership.
