Inspiring the Next Generation of Women in STEM: W.TEC Girls Visit IHS Towers Nigeria
There are moments that spark curiosity—and moments that shape the future. Recently, 15 outstanding girls from the W.TEC Academy experienced both during an unforgettable excursion to IHS Towers Nigeria, widely regarded as one of the backbones of digital connectivity and opportunity in the country.
The visit brought together students from Lagos City College and Surulere Girls Senior Grammar School, accompanied by their dedicated chaperone teachers. It was more than just a tour—it was an immersive introduction to the world of telecommunications infrastructure, data systems, and the limitless possibilities within STEM careers.
A Partnership Driving Impact
This excursion builds on a growing partnership between W.TEC and IHS Towers. Earlier this year, both organizations collaborated on a series of impactful workshops across Lagos, Abuja, and Rivers State to commemorate the International Day of Women and Girls in Science 2026—reaching and inspiring girls nationwide.
Founded in Nigeria in 2001, IHS Towers has grown into a global leader in shared telecommunications infrastructure, operating over 37,000 towers across multiple continents. Today, it stands as one of the largest independent tower companies in the world—a powerful testament to innovation rooted in Nigeria with global impact.
Exploring the World of Digital Infrastructure
From the moment the girls arrived, the experience was designed to ignite curiosity and deepen understanding. Through a series of engaging sessions, they were introduced to the fundamentals of telecommunications networks—learning how base transceiver stations (BTS), cell sites, and fiber backhaul systems work together to power mobile connectivity.
Experts from IHS Towers broke down complex concepts into relatable insights, explaining how tower infrastructure supports everything from voice calls to high-speed internet and emerging digital services.
The girls also gained valuable exposure to:
- Network operations and maintenance
- Data center ecosystems and infrastructure management
- The role of colocation and shared infrastructure in scaling connectivity
- Career pathways across engineering, operations, and technology strategy
Women Leading the Way
One of the most powerful highlights of the day was the opportunity to hear directly from leading women within IHS Towers. These accomplished professionals shared their personal journeys—navigating STEM education, overcoming challenges, and rising to leadership roles in engineering and technology.
For many of the girls, this was a defining moment: seeing women who looked like them thriving in technical and leadership roles made their own aspirations feel more tangible and achievable.
Hands-On Learning and Mentorship
The excursion went beyond presentations. Through breakout mentoring sessions, the girls engaged in meaningful conversations—asking questions, exploring career interests, and receiving guidance from industry professionals.
They were also taken on a guided tour of the facility, where they experienced first-hand elements of telecommunications infrastructure, including operational environments that support network reliability and performance.
A Day of Discovery, Inspiration, and Joy
Learning was made even more exciting through interactive quiz sessions that tested the girls’ understanding of what they had learned. Their enthusiasm and attentiveness were rewarded with thoughtful gifts and takeaways—further reinforcing the value of curiosity and engagement.
Beyond the technical knowledge, the day was filled with moments of excitement, laughter, and inspiration. For many of the girls, it was their first close-up encounter with the infrastructure that powers the digital world they interact with every day.
Shaping Future STEM Leaders
By the end of the visit, one thing was clear: this was more than an excursion—it was a life-shaping experience. Many of the girls expressed renewed determination to pursue careers in science, technology, engineering, and mathematics.
Seeing real-world applications of STEM, and meeting women excelling in these fields, transformed abstract ambitions into concrete possibilities.
Looking Ahead
W.TEC is deeply grateful to IHS Towers for their generosity, warmth, and commitment to inspiring the next generation. Experiences like this are critical in bridging the gap between classroom learning and real-world innovation.
Together, we are not just exposing girls to technology—we are empowering them to become creators, leaders, and pioneers in the digital future.