Group Calls For ICT Skills Training For Young Girls
By IJEOMA OLORUNFEMI
READLAND Global has called for increased participation of young girls in hands-on technology and innovation programs to help them build careers in Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics (STEM).
The appeal was made by Dr. Temiloluwa Adeshina, Co-Founder of Readland Global, during an interview on Tuesday.
Readland Global is a leadership and learning resource centre focused on youth development and digital literacy.
Teenage Girls Win Global Tech Award
Dr. Adeshina’s remarks followed the emergence of four teenage girls from Nigeria as Africa’s Regional Winners in the Junior Team Category of the U.S. Technovation Girls 2025 competition held recently in Lagos.
Technovation Girls is a U.S.-based annual programme that equips young women aged 8 to 18 with practical skills to become tech entrepreneurs and future leaders.
“This programme proves that when we invest in girls, we build nations. It is one of the most strategic accelerators of inclusive innovation Nigeria has seen,” Adeshina said.
She noted that the initiative helps bridge the gender gap in technology and prepares girls for meaningful participation in the digital economy.
Empowering Girls Through Technology
According to her, the Technovation programme focuses on high-potential teenage girls, giving them early access to digital skills that many in underserved communities often miss out on.
“It ignites grassroots innovation because many of the alumnae go on to start clubs, lead projects, and advocate for tech access in rural areas — multiplying the impact far beyond the initial investment,” she explained.
Dr. Adeshina said such initiatives strengthen Nigeria’s global presence in STEM by showcasing the creativity and potential of African girls, while attracting international collaboration.
Meet the Winning Team
The winners — Ohaechesi Chinenye (14), Otteh Mmesoma (13), Chisom Mbaelu (13), and Uche Emmanuella (14) — are from Ajegunle and competed as a team called “Smart Gardeners.”
Under Adeshina’s mentorship as their Club Ambassador, the girls developed a mobile app called “Grow and Give”, designed to tackle food insecurity, urban poverty, and support for vulnerable families.
“Despite having no prior computer experience, they worked with volunteer mentors and parents to design a real-world solution using technology,” Adeshina said.
A Life-Changing Experience
The girls participated in the quarter-finals, semi-finals, and Africa regional finals, eventually emerging as continental winners.
As part of their reward, they received a $250 cash stipend, global exposure, mentorship opportunities, and lifetime access to the Technovation alumni network, which supports innovation and entrepreneurship worldwide.
Dr. Adeshina encouraged more stakeholders, schools, and parents to invest in girls’ digital education, noting that empowering girls in STEM would accelerate Nigeria’s technological advancement and economic growth.
“These girls represent the future of innovation in Africa. When we give them the tools, they will build the solutions our world needs,” she added.
