Women in Technology in Nigeria (WITIN), a leading non-profit organisation, has expressed optimism that the recently concluded Girls’ National Summit and STEM Exhibition 2025 will inspire a new wave of innovation and accelerate technology integration across educational institutions in the country.
The Executive Director of WITIN, Ms. Martha Omoekpen-Alade, made this declaration at the closing ceremony of the National Summit held in Abuja, the nation’s capital.
Ms. Omoekpen-Alade stressed that the event represents a profound transformation rather than a mere gathering, noting that participating students are returning with enhanced capabilities and renewed self-assurance.
“This is more than an event. It is a transformation,” she stated, adding, “Girls from rural and urban schools are returning with renewed confidence. We are seeing classrooms transformed into mini innovation hubs.” She said
The summit demonstrated national character through its diverse attendance, featuring representation from North East Nigeria (Taraba and Borno States), North West Nigeria (Kano State, which produced several winning teams), Anambra State, and various schools across the Federal Capital Territory (FCT).
The Executive Director highlighted that this widespread participation underscores the increasing desire among Nigerian girls to contribute to the nation’s expanding digital economy.
A central feature of the summit was the National STEM Competition & Exhibitions for Girls 2025, conducted under the theme: “Innovate for Impact: STEM Solutions for a Sustainable Future.”
The competition drew significant national interest, receiving 265 online entries and culminating in regional exhibitions across seven states, from which 25 top projects were selected to advance to the national finals.
The event recognised outstanding projects that offered tangible solutions to pressing national issues:
• National Champion: Trinity Secondary School, Onitsha, was awarded the top prize for SACHA, a groundbreaking waste management solution.
• 1st Runner-Up: Federal Government College, Maiduguri, secured second place for its development of a Sustainable Smart City model.
• 2nd Runner-Up: Governor’s Girls College, Kano, took the third position for their Solar-Powered Truck designed for renewable energy solutions.
The success of the summit was significantly underpinned by robust national and international collaboration. Key backing and partnerships were provided by major stakeholders, including ITU Secretary-General Ms. Doreen Bogdan-Martin, Minister of Communications, Innovation, and Digital Economy Dr. Bosun Tijani, the National Information Technology Development Agency (NITDA), the Nigeria Communications Commission (NCC), the Internet Society and the Universal Service Provision Fund (USPF).
Furthermore, the academic sector played a vital role, with eleven Nigerian universities, including the University of Abuja, University of Lagos, and Covenant University, providing critical mentorship and expertise to the young female participants.
The momentum driving the competition was attributed, in part, to the recent success of WITIN Girls’ STEM Clubs & Outreaches, which won the prestigious 2024 Nature Award for Inspiring Women in Science presented in partnership with The Estée Lauder Companies.
Industry observers are now commending the initiative for effectively fostering a crucial pipeline of young female talent prepared to tackle critical challenges in energy, health, agriculture, and digital innovation, confirming the growing national momentum for female leadership in technology.
Olusola Akintonde