LAGOS, NIGERIA — June 11, 2026 — The Women’s Technology Empowerment Centre (W.TEC), with proud support from Oracle, successfully hosted a vibrant, day-long celebration to mark the 2026 International Girls in ICT Day. The event, held on Wednesday, June 10, 2026, at Lagos City College in Sabo, Yaba, brought together students from across Lagos for an immersive experience designed to inspire the next generation of female technologists.
Under the overarching theme of youth and technological advancement, the three-hour program featured a dynamic mix of insightful talks, hands-on innovation challenges, and holistic wellness sessions.
Inspiring the Next Generation
The event kicked off with opening addresses introducing the core missions of W.TEC, the significance of International Girls in ICT Day, and a warm welcome from Oracle.
Key highlights of the opening session included:
- Keynote Address by Oracle: Titled “AI for Development: Girls Shaping the Digital Future,” the address emphasized the critical role young women will play in navigating and building the future of Artificial Intelligence.
- ITU Secretary-General’s Address: Delivered by Mrs. Bolanle Olumekor of the United Nations Information Centre (UNIC), reinforcing the global commitment to bridging the digital gender divide.
- Goodwill Message: Provided by the Lagos Ministry of Education (District IV), showing strong governmental support for girls’ STEM education.
Hands-On Innovation and Holistic Empowerment
Moving beyond traditional lectures, the program engaged the students in highly interactive and practical sessions:
- ICT Design & Innovation Challenge (Led by W.TEC): Participants were divided into teams to brainstorm and design technological solutions to real-life problems affecting girls and their local communities.
- Virtual Reality (VR) Experience (Led by Imisi 3D): Students were transported into new digital worlds through a guided, 45-minute VR immersion session.
- Wellness & Hygiene Session (Led by Queens Palm Support Initiative): Reinforcing the importance of holistic wellbeing alongside digital empowerment, this session provided vital health and hygiene education.
Celebrating Excellence: Gbaja Girls Take the Trophy
A thrilling highlight of the day was the culmination of the ICT Design & Innovation Challenge. Demonstrating outstanding creativity, teamwork, and problem-solving skills, Gbaja Girls emerged as the overall winning school. In recognition of their brilliant tech solutions, the participating representatives were celebrated in grand style—receiving medals, a championship trophy, and attractive prizes that will benefit both the victorious students and their school.
Participating Schools
The event saw enthusiastic participation from students representing several leading schools in Lagos, including:
- Anglican Girls, Surulere
- Methodist Girls, Yaba
- Gbaja Junior Girls School
- Gbaja Senior Girls Secondary School
- Ajigbeda High School
- Surulere Girls
- Wesley Girls Senior
- Aje Comprehensive High School Senior
Through collaborative efforts with sponsors like Oracle, and partners like UNIC, Imisi 3D, and the Queens Palm Support Initiative, W.TEC continues to champion the technological empowerment of young women in Nigeria, ensuring they are not just consumers of technology, but active creators and innovators.
About W.TEC: The Women’s Technology Empowerment Centre (W.TEC) is a Nigerian non-governmental organization committed to building a more inclusive technology ecosystem. W.TEC programs encourage Nigerian girls and women to use technology to empower themselves socially and economically.
Media Contact: Adeyemi Odutola – yemi@wteconline.org