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The Girls’ National Summit and STEM Exhibition 2024, focused on Women in Technology in Nigeria, is already making an impact on the nation’s education and tech scene, just one month after gathering girls, teachers, decision-makers, and business experts in the Federal Capital Territory.

Hosted in Abuja, the two-day conference attracted approximately a thousand attendees from various parts of Nigeria, such as representatives from Taraba, Borno, Kano, Anambra, and other regions. The event sought to encourage female students to pursue science, technology, engineering, and mathematics, while offering hands-on experience in addressing real-life challenges.

As stated on Sunday, the summit has sparked a surge of creativity in schools across the country. Numerous organizations are now creating fresh STEM clubs, offering robotics and programming classes, and launching environmental initiatives influenced by the event.

This goes beyond just an event. It represents a change,” said Martha Alade, Executive Director of WITIN. “Girls from both rural and urban schools are coming back with increased self-assurance. We are witnessing classrooms turning into small innovation centers.

The conference received backing from prominent national and global organizations, including Secretary-General, ITU, Doreen Bogdan-Martin; the Federal Ministry of Communications, Digital Economy and Innovation; Director-General, NITDA, Mallam Kashifu Abdullahi; the Nigerian Communications Commission; the Universal Service Provision Fund; and the Internet Society Nigeria Chapter.

Participants were motivated to create STEM-focused solutions that corresponded to at least one United Nations Sustainable Development Goal. The National STEM Competition and Exhibitions for Girls 2025, with the theme “Innovate for Impact: STEM Solutions for a Sustainable Future,” received 265 state-level submissions, organized regional exhibitions in Sokoto, Borno, Kano, Anambra, Oyo, Delta, and Ogun states, and concluded with a national final in Abuja.

Trinity Secondary School in Onitsha won the national title for its SACHA initiative in waste management, whereas Federal Government College in Maiduguri came in second place with a Sustainable Smart City project aimed at urban and housing solutions. Governor’s Girls College in Kano took third place with a solar-powered truck project in the renewable energy category.

Several other institutions were also acknowledged for their exceptional performance, such as Government Science Secondary School, Maitama; Castle Hill Academy, Abuja; Government Science & Technical College, Garki; New Girls Science & Technical College, Kano; and UBEC Model Smart School, Kano.

The conference brought together influential national and global leaders, such as Dr Bosun Tijani, the Minister of Communications, Innovation, and Digital Economy; Doreen Bogdan-Martin, Secretary-General of the ITU; Mallam Kashifu Abdullahi, Director-General of NITDA; and various representatives from top technology and financial organizations.

Academic collaborations were central to the event, with 11 Nigerian universities, such as the University of Abuja, University of Lagos, Covenant University, and Nnamdi Azikiwe University, offering support and direction to attendees.

Prominent figures in the industry have commended the summit for creating a flow of female innovators prepared to address Nigeria’s technology-related issues. Multiple teams are currently engaging with mentors, investors, and companies to implement their STEM initiatives in practical settings.

The organizers stated that the summit has made a long-term difference in the country’s education system, showing that Nigerian girls are ready to lead the nation’s digital advancement and create a lasting tech future.

Provided by SyndiGate Media Inc.Syndigate.info).