AS part of efforts to empower girls for ICT careers, the Nigeria Women in Information Technology (NIWIIT), Oyo State Chapter, in commemoration of the 2025 International Girls in ICT Day held an event for over 250 students from 10 public and private secondary schools across the state.
International Girls in ICT Day is celebrated annually on the fourth Thursday of April to raise awareness about the need for more girls and women in the information and communications technology (ICT) sector and the 2025 International Girls in ICT Day was celebrated on April 24 to empower young women and girls to pursue careers in information and communication technology (ICT).
The theme for this year’s celebration is “Girls in ICT for inclusive digital transformation” encourages girls to embrace ICT for their educational and socio-economic advancement with special focus on inclusive digital transformation and the need for equal and equitable digital inclusion for all young women and girls, particularly those in vulnerable situations.
The programme highlighted gender equality and equity and provided an interactive platform for intergenerational dialogue, encouraging governments, the private sector and civil society to take concrete actions that promote inclusivity in the digital transformation process.
The event was led by the NIWIIT Oyo State Coordinator, Madam Samotu Adejoke, with the Planning Committee chaired by Cecilia Adenusi, NIWIIT Oyo PRO and STEM Coordinator. The committee also featured several distinguished members including Mrs Cecilia Adenusi, Dr. Oluwaseyi Funmi Afe, Dr. (Mrs.) Omokehinde Deji-Akinpelu, Dr. (Mrs.) Temitope Oyelakun, Dr. (Mrs.) Khadijat Ladoja, Dr. (Mrs.) Olarenwaju, Mrs. Chris-Alofe, Mrs. Enitan Olaosebikan, Mrs. Olaniyan Abolade, Dr. (Mrs.) Yetunde Oguns, Dr. Adekunbi Omotoso, and Dr. (Mrs.) Funmi Ipeayeda.
It also sought to inspire the younger generation by encouraging young girls to explore ICT careers with the support of leaders and allies in the ICT sector.
Participating schools included Bishop Philips Academy, Isabatudeen Girls’ Grammar School, Bashorun High School, Bishop Onabanjo School (Ashi Bodija), Oba Akinbiyi Memorial School (Bashorun), Holicks School (Olodo), Tobi International School (Jericho), Eleyele Secondary School, Abass Schools (Aleshiloye), and Poly High School.
A major highlight of the day was the graduation of 130 students from the NIWIIT AI Girls Club, celebrated with a formal ceremony led by Dr. (Mrs.) Temitope Oyelakun and certificate presentations.
Dignitaries at the event included the Commissioner for Information, who served as the Father of the Day; the Permanent Secretary, Mr. Babalola; Prof. (Mrs.) Adenike Osofisan as Mother of the Day; the Chairman of the Nigeria Computer Society (NCS), Oyo State Chapter, Mr. Babatunde Bamgbade; former NIWIIT National President, Dr. (Mrs.) Florence Babalola; and immediate past Oyo NIWIIT Coordinator, Mrs. Bose Owolabi.
A dynamic panel session featured tech leaders such as Engr. (Mrs.) Adabanija, Mrs. Helen Oduyemi, and Ms. Comfort Odey, sharing career insights in a discussion moderated by Dr. (Mrs.) Deji-Akinpelu.
The event also showcased AI-powered student projects including Diagnobot (an infectious disease system), Langbot (AI sign language translator), an AI menstrual cycle tracker, EduWatch, AI Cyberbullying and many more. After a rigorous evaluation by judges — Mr. Niyi Omikunle, Mrs. Mobolaji Idowu, Mrs. Yetunde Olasoji, and Mr. Sope Folayan — Diagnobot emerged as the best project, followed by AI Cyberbullying Detector and AI Breast Cancer Detection system second and third places respectively.
Tech talk sessions included an engaging workshop on UI/UX design by Ms. Toluwanimi Omotoso, featuring a hands-on demonstration using the Opay App prototype.
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The event was coordinated by Dr. (Mrs.) Oluwaseyi Afe and Mrs. Enitan Olaosebikan. Goodwill messages were delivered by several special guests and partners, highlighting the significance of empowering girls through technology.
NIWIIT Oyo expresses heartfelt gratitude to all supporting partners including Galaxy Backbone, SQI College of ICT, Kids Tech Empowerment Foundation, Hsprojects Technologies Ltd, Ministry of Information, Director of ICT Oyo state, Toibox.ng, Nigeria Tribune, Studio 9, Climate Energy Innovation Development Hub, (CEID Hub), Technovation Girls Nigeria SouthWest, ESTDE Educational Hub, apps & scripts, Helen Genius Agro and the NCS Oyo State Chapter for making the celebration a resounding success.
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