- STEM exhibition connects young innovators with mentors. Specifically, teachers, university experts, and industry professionals guide participants to ensure practical application of their projects.
- The exhibition links young innovators with mentors and industry leaders. Additionally, it enables participants to develop solutions aligned with the United Nations’ Sustainable Development Goals.
A month after the Women in Technology in Nigeria (WITIN) Girls’ National Summit and STEM Exhibition 2025, its impact is visible in schools across Nigeria. The summit took place in the Federal Capital Territory and drew girls, educators, policymakers, and industry leaders from across the country. As a result, it created a vibrant platform for learning, innovation, and mentorship.
From Taraba to Borno, Kano to Anambra, and across the FCT, girls returned home with renewed ambition. Consequently, many schools are establishing STEM clubs. Furthermore, they are starting practical projects and aiming higher in science, technology, engineering, and mathematics. Thus, the summit clearly ignited a wave of innovation nationwide.
Girls from North East Nigeria, including Taraba and Borno States, collaborated with peers from the North West, particularly Kano. Meanwhile, schools from Anambra State and the FCT also participated vigorously. This diverse attendance highlighted the national scope of the summit. Moreover, it showed the growing enthusiasm among girls to join Nigeria’s expanding digital economy.
Over the course of two days, approximately 1,000 participants explored solutions in energy, environment, health, agriculture, robotics, digital innovation, and sustainable development. With support from ITU Secretary-General Doreen Bogdan-Martin, Dr Bosun Tijani, NITDA, NCC, USPF, the Federal Ministry of Communications, Digital Economy and Innovation, and the Internet Society Nigeria Chapter, the summit demonstrated how collaboration can empower young women to tackle societal challenges.
From solar-powered devices to AI-driven educational tools and waste management systems, the summit delivered one of the most comprehensive STEM showcases in recent Nigerian history. Importantly, it highlighted the ingenuity and leadership potential of Nigeria’s next generation of female innovators.
Momentum grew after WITIN Girls’ STEM Clubs won the 2024 Nature Award for Inspiring Women in Science/Science Outreach. Consequently, this recognition enabled the launch of the National STEM Competition & Exhibitions for Girls 2025. Its theme was: “Innovate for Impact: STEM Solutions for a Sustainable Future.” There were 265 online entries at the state levels. Then, regional exhibitions followed in Sokoto, Borno, Kano, Anambra, Oyo, Delta, and Ogun States. Finally, the top 25 projects advanced to the national finals in Abuja.
Participants worked in teams of three and were guided by STEM teacher-mentors. They focused on at least one SDG and developed practical solutions to community problems. The competition ran from February 11, International Day of Women and Girls in Science, through International Girls in ICT Day. It culminated in the grand finale on October 22–23, 2025.
Executive Director Martha Omoekpen Alade emphasised: “This is more than an event. It is a transformation. Girls from rural and urban schools are returning with renewed confidence. Classrooms are turning into mini-innovation hubs.”
Winners included Governor’s Girls College, Kano – Solar-Powered Truck (Renewable Energy, second runner-up); Federal Government College, Maiduguri – Sustainable Smart City (first runner-up); and Trinity Secondary School, Onitsha – SACHA (Waste Management, national champion).
Strong academic partnerships with 11 universities, including the University of Abuja, University of Lagos, Covenant University, and Nnamdi Azikiwe University, provided mentorship, technical guidance, and industry connections. Consequently, these collaborations reinforced the summit’s mission to cultivate Nigeria’s next generation of female tech leaders.