- A renewable energy challenge trained 100 Abuja girls in solar, wind, energy storage and smart technologies.
- The programme aims to build female talent for Nigeria’s growing clean energy sector.
A renewable energy challenge has given 100 teenage girls in Abuja practical experience in designing energy solutions. The challenge marked the end of the 2026 Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics (STEM) Summer Camp. The Visiola Foundation organised the eight-day programme from August 8 to 15.
Students aged 13 to 17 took part in the camp. They came from 45 government secondary schools across Abuja. This year’s programme focused on the theme, “Powering the Future: Girls Leading Africa’s Renewable Energy Revolution.” It introduced the students to electricity, solar and wind technologies, energy storage and smart systems. They also learnt about electronics, automation and microcontroller programming. More importantly, the organisers gave them the chance to apply those skills.
Working in teams, the students identified energy challenges in their communities. They then designed, built and tested prototypes to address those problems. Group Eight emerged as the winner of the final challenge. Its team developed a SmartFarm prototype with an automated farming system. The system aims to make farm operations safer and more efficient.
The competition also gave the students an early introduction to technologies shaping Nigeria’s energy sector. As the country expands renewable energy, the industry will need more people with practical technical skills.
For that reason, programmes that introduce young people to energy technologies could help build the sector’s future workforce. Visiola Foundation President Ladé Araba said practical STEM education could help African countries develop their growing youth population into a skilled workforce. “Africa’s youth population continues to grow rapidly at the same moment that digital and technical competency is becoming the entry requirement for a growing share of jobs worldwide,” she said.
She added that public schools needed greater access to practical STEM education. Such programmes, she said, could support higher incomes and long-term economic growth.
FGN Power Company CEO Kenny Anuwe served as chief judge at the final competition. He said the students had shown their ability to turn engineering ideas into practical solutions. “What I witnessed today was a glimpse into Africa’s energy future,” Anuwe said. He praised the students for building working prototypes and explaining their ideas with confidence.
According to Anuwe, Nigeria’s energy challenges will require a larger pool of engineers and technical professionals. He also called for more opportunities for girls to pursue careers in engineering and energy.
FGN Power Company’s involvement reflects that focus on technical skills. The company works in areas such as power infrastructure, grid reliability and sustainable energy solutions. Meanwhile, the students presented several other projects at the final challenge. These included solar-powered devices, automated lighting systems and electronic circuits. They also developed smart energy management solutions. Judges assessed the projects based on design, innovation, technical execution and functionality.
Sustainability, teamwork and presentation also formed part of the assessment. Blue Camel Energy supported the programme as a technical partner. Founder and Chief Executive Suleiman Yusuf said early exposure could encourage more girls to consider careers in renewable energy. The company has also hosted students through excursions and internship programmes. Yusuf said those experiences had helped turn their curiosity into a stronger interest in engineering.
The programme therefore connects education with a wider challenge facing Nigeria’s power sector. The country needs investment in renewable energy, but it also needs people who can build and operate the systems.
By giving girls practical experience at an early age, the programme aims to expand that talent pool. It also gives more young women an opportunity to see themselves as part of Nigeria’s energy future.