In commemoration of the 2025 International Day of Girls in ICT, the Association of Professional Women Engineers of Nigeria (APWEN) organised a vibrant and purposeful event Themed “Girls in ICT for Inclusive Digital Transformation,” with the purpose to inspire young girls to embrace opportunities in science, technology, engineering, and mathematics (STEM), while emphasising the importance of gender equity in digital spaces.
The Event was Held at the National Engineering Centre, HSQ on May 8, 2025, as a tribute to late Engr. Funmilola Kikelomo Ojelade, FNSE, a Past President of APWEN, whose passionate advocacy and tireless commitment has laid a strong foundation to advance the participation of Girls and women in Science , Technology, Engineering and Mathematics (STEM) even as her legacy served as the cornerstone of the day’s activities.
Delivering the opening address, APWEN President, Engr. Dr. Adebisi R. Osim, described the day not just as a celebration but as a national call to action. “it is a call to action. It is a reminder that girls belong in tech. It is a signal that we must intentionally bridge the digital gender divide and equip girls with the skills to lead in this era of rapid technological advancement.” She declared.
She stressed the urgency of equipping girls with digital tools and skills, particularly in underserved and rural communities, to ensure inclusive progress. Dr. Osim reiterated APWEN’s bold vision to train one million women and girls in digital skills by 2035, emphasising that inclusive digital transformation must leave no girl behind.
“A lot of initiatives have been done. One of the one that, the one that really struck me was when I was reading I saw that there’s a plan to equip 1 million women and girls with digital skills by the year 2035”.she added.
The President of the Nigerian Society of Engineers (NSE), Engr. Margaret Aina Oguntala, FNSE, emphasised that digital literacy is now an essential component of national development. She advocated for increased collaboration among engineering bodies to provide accessible training and opportunities for girls across Nigeria.
“I hereby take this opportunity to make an appeal to public-spirited individuals, corporate bodies, and the wider society to support APWEN’s commendable efforts. Investing in girls’ education in Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics (STEM) is a strategic investment in Nigeria’s future. ” She explained
Also speaking at the event, Engr. Valerie Ifueko Agberagba, FNSE, the keynote speaker of the day described the transformative power of mentorship and representation. She explained that digital empowerment must go beyond access to technology it must also involve building the confidence, skills, and networks that allow girls to thrive. She underscored that when girls see women leading in ICT, they begin to see such roles as attainable.
One of the day’s major program was the official launch of the “Who Wants to Be an Engineer” initiative, a flagship program designed by APWEN to spark early interest in engineering among school aged girls. Through hands on learning, mentorship, and fun activities, the initiative seeks to break stereotypes and introduce young girls to the world of engineering in an engaging and relatable way.
This initiative complemented the national Girls in ICT Competition, which brought together talented secondary school girls from across Nigeria. After a series of challenges focused on coding, innovation, and teamwork, the North-East region emerged as the overall winner, with the North-Central and South-South regions placing second and third, respectively.
Students from the second-place team at Government Secondary School, Gwarinpa, expressed immense pride in their performance. Anna Deborah shared that the experience had transformed her dream of becoming an engineer into a tangible goal. Her teammate, Abjama Rukaia Asalu, expressed interest in technical development noting how exposure to ICT opened her eyes to new possibilities. Another participant, Another participant Onoha Engadrin encouraged other girls to embrace the field with confidence and focus, emphasising that mindset, not gender, is what determines success.
The event also featured the distribution of digital learning kits, mentorship registration, and a showcase of innovative technologies. Prominent women in engineering and ICT shared personal stories of perseverance and success, offering the students real world insight into future career paths.
Closing the event, Engr. Dr. Osim emphasised APWEN’s ongoing mission to foster a generation of female innovators who are not just consumers of technology but creators and leaders in the digital space. She called on all stakeholders to continue supporting initiatives that place girls at the center of Nigeria’s technological advancement.
The event concluded with a powerful affirmation with the right support, skills, and visibility, girls in Nigeria are not only ready to participate in the digital future they are prepared to lead it.
