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Tag: Tech

  • Bank’s Cohort 6 Women in Tech Incubator project get rewards

    Bank’s Cohort 6 Women in Tech Incubator project get rewards

    • By Isioma Nwadike

    Standard Chartered Bank Nigeria (StanChart) has rewarded five women tech entrepreneurs in its SC Women in Tech incubator initiative with $10,000 each.

    Launched in July, this is the sixth edition in Nigeria after five editions with 25 winners to date collectively receiving over $250,000 in seed funding.

    Standard Chartered Women in Tech programme targets female-led entrepreneurial teams, providing them training, mentorship, and seed funding. Ten women tech-preneurs went through 12-week executive bootcamp during which they interacted with industry experts, business development coaches and executives from the bank.

    Following the bootcamp, the team pitched their proposals, and five were chosen with each winner awarded $10,000 to invest in their business, aside other business development opportunities.

    The top five and recipients of the grants are Chinwendu Nweke (Bridge Merchant Enterprise), Omolara Olarerin (Pocket Food), Blessing Aniefiok (Dynalimb Technologies) Omobosola Alaka (Hafrikplay) and Olapeju Nwanganga (Ploutos Page Limited.

     Ayodeji Adelagun, a director at Standard Chartered said: ‘‘We are optimistic about the growth opportunities ahead and the positive ripple effects this will have on the broader economy.’’ ‘‘

    This initiative not only underscores our commitment to fostering women entrepreneurship but also builds upon the bank’s distinguished and longstanding track record of significantly enhancing women’s access to entrepreneurial finance.

    By improving employability and providing robust support to adolescent girls and women through comprehensive financing solutions and capacity-building programs, we are paving the way for sustainable development and economic empowerment. This holistic approach ensures that the benefits of this initiative extend well beyond individual success stories, contributing to a more inclusive and prosperous future for all.”

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    Following the successful launch of the programme in Nigeria in 2019, the Women in Tech Incubator program has rolled out in other markets including Ghana and more recently Saudi Arabia. Other markets also running incubators include Kenya, Pakistan and UAE.

    Commenting on the event, Joke Adu, Head Corporate Affairs, Brand and Marketing, Nigeria, Standard Chartered Bank Nigeria Limited said, “We are truly delighted to continue empowering female entrepreneurs in Nigeria through the Futuremakers Women in Tech Incubator sponsored by the Standard Chartered Foundation. As a pioneering and leading financial institution committed to fostering entrepreneurship within the technology sector, we are confident in the profound socio-economic impact this program continues to have on women entrepreneurs in Nigeria. The financial and developmental support extended to the beneficiaries will greatly contribute to the sustainability of their enterprises, while also generating employment opportunities for more women and youths across the country.

    Dr. Nneka Okekearu, Director, Enterprise Development Centre, Pan-Atlantic University added, “The 12 women founders who graduated embodied the power of possibility when talent meets opportunity. At EDC, our mission is to build capacity and empower businesses to drive sustainable change. Through the Futuremakers Women in Tech Accelerator, funded by Standard Chartered Foundation in partnership with Village Capital, we are nurturing women who are not only creating jobs and transforming communities but also redefining Nigeria’s digital landscape. This program proves that when women are intentionally supported, they don’t just participate in the tech ecosystem — they lead it.”

    The Standard Chartered Women in Tech programme is designed specifically to address this gaps and upscale women-led technology ventures, as an enabler for economic empowerment of women.

  • Experts urge human-centred approaches to tech

    Experts urge human-centred approaches to tech

    In a world increasingly shaped by automation, artificial intelligence (AI), and digital systems, thought leaders and professionals have pushed for human-centred approaches to technology, business and education.

    The experts converged virtually for the Rehumanising Communication Summit – a timely conversation exploring how to preserve empathy, trust, and human connection in the digital age.

    Convened by Mololuwa Rachael Olabode and Oreoluwa Adigun, in collaboration with the School of Media and Communication, Pan-Atlantic University, the summit brought together distinguished experts from academia, technology, and business to examine the balance between efficiency and empathy in communication across automated and non-automated systems.

    The panel featured Dr. Soji Cole, Professor of Black Literature and Creative Writing at Saint Mary’s University, Nova Scotia, and winner of the 2018 NLNG Prize for Literature; Mr. Yemi Adedoyin, Business Operations Team Lead at Phase 3 Telecom; and Mrs. Taofikat Morayo Nwabufo, Founder of Wọlé Technologies and a business communication leader with almost two decades of cross-industry experience.

    Moderated by Mololuwa, the discussion explored communication challenges at the intersection of education, business, and technology, asking a central question: How do we keep the human touch in an automated world?

    In a particularly reflective moment, when asked to share one principle for rehumanising communication – whether in teaching, leadership, or technology – the panellists offered distinct but harmonising views.

    Dr. Cole emphasised the need to “adopt slow movement – ensuring that everyone does their things at their respectively right paces,” highlighting the importance of patience and intentionality in human interaction amid the rush of digital efficiency.

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    Mr. Adedoyin stated that “humans will always remain humans – innovation won’t change that,” underscoring that while technology evolves, the essence of humanity must continue to guide design and interaction.

    Mrs. Nwabufo agreed with both positions, affirming that “it is expedient to maintain humanity within technology flows,” a reminder that technology should serve people, not the other way around.

    The conversation illuminated how rehumanising communication demands a multidimensional approach – one that values inclusion, empathy, and cultural awareness, even as automation reshapes professional and social landscapes.

    In her closing remarks, Mololuwa thanked the speakers and participants for contributing to a dialogue that bridges academia and industry.

    She said: “This conversation goes beyond technology – it is about preserving the essence of human connection in every sphere where communication happens.”

    The summit reinforced the role of the School of Media and Communication, Pan-Atlantic University, as a platform for nurturing thought leadership and research that respond to evolving communication realities in Africa and beyond.

  • 100  youths empowered on tech, career advancement

    100  youths empowered on tech, career advancement

    • From Emma Elekwa, Onitsha

    Over 100 youths in Anambra State have benefitted from technology and career advancement training, organized by i-FATOSS University, Benin Republic (Institut Des Formation Avancées).

    The event, themed, ‘Leveraging Technology for Career Advancement,’  was held in Awka, the state capital in collaboration with Fontis Aid Foundation.

    Founder of Fontis Aid Foundation, Prof. Chioma Ikeanyionwu, said her organization’s mission remained building skills and creative opportunities for the disadvantaged.

    She stressed that technology was no longer a luxury but a necessity, urging participants to bridge digital divides and use innovation to foster self-sufficiency and sustainable development.

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    Chairman of the occasion, Dr. Churchill Okonkwo described technology as indispensable to Nigeria’s growth.

    He called on governments, institutions and individuals to deepen investments in digital knowledge, while challenging students to embrace innovation as a tool for advancement.

    Registrar of i-FATOSS University, Dr. Eze Joshua commended the training theme, arguing that ability to adapt and innovate with technology has now become a passport to global opportunities.

    One of the resource persons, Victory Ekwunife while explaining the meaning of career, stressed the need to apply technology in chosen fields.

    She identified branding, content creation and professionalism as key career-building tools, defining digital skills as ability to use technology to solve problems.

    On his part, Emmanuel Chukwu emphasized the importance of professional networking, listing its advantages such as access to job opportunities, knowledge exchange, personal growth, problem-solving and innovation.

    He noted that digital platforms enhance visibility and reputation, mentioning social media channels that youths can leverage on to expand their professional networks.

    Fontis Aid Foundation extended financial empowerment to four young entrepreneurs: Chinecherem Maduanusi, Chidinma Akachukwu and Daniel Agbo, all fashion designers, as well as Umunna Uchenna, a shoe designer, to support their small businesses.

  • Tech tools Nigerian startups can use to boost efficiency as they scale

    Tech tools Nigerian startups can use to boost efficiency as they scale

    • By Kehinde Ogundare, Country Head, Zoho Nigeria

    Business growth should feel energising — not like a daily struggle. When operations begin to scale, the software systems need to scale as well, and adapt to the new processes and needs of the growing organisation. For many Nigerian startups, with rising costs, lean teams, and limited time, staying organised becomes a challenge. Growth demands structure, not just ambition.

    The good news? A wide range of affordable and accessible tech tools can help businesses reduce costs, streamline operations, and unlock capacity. Whether it’s managing finances, people, or customers, small teams now have the means to operate at enterprise-level efficiency.

    Here are top 10 practical ways the right tools can boost productivity and help cut operational expenses:

    1. Finance and spend management

    Tracking expenses through manual spreadsheets and scattered receipts is inefficient and prone to error. It creates blind spots in budgeting and slows down level-headed decisions.

    To simplify the process, spend management tools help to consolidate all expense data into one place. They categorise spending, flag unusual activity, and streamline approvals. For example, a startup organising multiple events each quarter could use spend management software to budget per project, track payments in real time, and generate reports with a few clicks. This allows for better planning, clearer oversight, and tighter financial control.

    2. Project and task management

    As teams grow or operate remotely, task coordination becomes harder. Without clear roles, priorities, and timelines, delays and duplicated work are inevitable.

    Project management platforms such as Zoho Projects help align workflows with shared timelines, task ownership, status updates, and performance tracking. Such tools increase transparency and ensure everyone stays focused on the right tasks. For example, a tech startup juggling client work and product development can visualise workflows, prioritise tasks, and measure productivity, all in one place. Using such software also encourages accountability and helps teams meet deadlines.

    3. Customer relationship management (CRM)

    Customer engagement and consistent follow-up often determine long-term success. However, managing contact data and communication manually across tools, spreadsheets, and inboxes quickly becomes unmanageable.

    CRM tools such as Bigin centralise customer records, automate follow-ups, and offer insights into sales performance. This makes it easier to manage relationships, respond faster, and refine your sales and marketing strategies based on what is working. A retail business, for example, could use CRM tools to segment customers, send targeted offers, and track conversion rates, turning first-time buyers into repeat customers.

    4. Data storage and cloud access

    Relying on physical infrastructure for file storage is expensive and limits flexibility. Cloud storage offers an affordable and secure alternative, giving startups a secure, central location for all business files.

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    It allows teams to access documents anywhere, collaborate in real time, and avoid the confusion of outdated file versions. With many tools offering free tiers or scalable plans, cloud storage is one of the simplest and most cost-effective upgrades a startup can make. It’s especially useful with distributed teams or partners working across regions or time zones.

    5. Social media and marketing management

    Social media is a powerful way to reach new customers, but managing it manually is time-consuming. Creating content, scheduling posts, and responding to comments can drain internal resources.

    Social media management tools help to plan content ahead of time, monitor performance, and stay consistent across platforms. Automation removes the drudgery of manual work, while analytics help refine your messaging and reach. For instance, a beauty brand or lifestyle brand can schedule campaigns around product launches and holidays while keeping an eye on which content drives the most engagement.

    6. HR and people operations

    Tasks like recruitment, onboarding, leave tracking, and managing payroll quickly pile up. Without dedicated HR support tools, these responsibilities can distract from core business goals.

    With centralised employee records and self-service portals, HR tools reduce admin time and ensure staff get the support they need. A small agency, for instance, could use them to simplify leave tracking and ensure timely salary payments, avoiding disputes or bottlenecks. This builds a more professional internal structure without needing a full HR department.

    7. Workflow and process automation

    Hours can be wasted on manual admin: copying data between systems, sending reminders, and generating reports. Automation tools remove that burden by connecting everyday apps and triggering tasks based on simple rules.

    Whether it’s sending alerts, updating spreadsheets, or managing approvals, automation tools work in the background to keep operations ticking over. For example, when a new sale is recorded, the system could automatically update inventory, notify the finance team, and schedule a customer welcome email.

    8. Cybersecurity tools

    Data breaches and cyberattacks are not just a risk to large corporations. Even small businesses are vulnerable, and accidental data loss can have serious consequences.

    Cybersecurity solutions, such as encrypted storage, secure password managers, and access control systems, help safeguard business and customer data. For startups, building trust with users starts with protecting their information. Tools that alert teams to suspicious activity or restrict access to sensitive files can prevent costly breaches and keep your reputation intact.

    9. Website builders and analytics

    A professional online presence is essential, especially in competitive industries. Modern website builders allow businesses to create responsive, user-friendly sites without coding experience.

    This ensures that potential customers find you easily – and that you understand how they engage with your content. For early-stage businesses, this can mean the difference between visibility and invisibility. Analytics help you learn what pages convert best, which campaigns drive traffic, and how to optimise your digital marketing spend.

    10. Integrated business systems

    Startups often adopt a mix of standalone tools for different tasks. But as operations expand, switching between disconnected apps becomes inefficient and error-prone.

    Integrated platforms bring everything – from CRM and finance to HR and analytics – into a single ecosystem. With connected tools and shared dashboards, teams collaborate better and make faster decisions. Imagine a logistics startup being able to track deliveries, issue invoices, and review driver performance all from one interface. It cuts down on confusion, improves customer service, and saves time across the board.

    The bottom line

    Whether you’re managing expenses, improving collaboration, or enhancing customer service, the right tech tools can unlock new levels of efficiency.

    You do not need a large team or deep pockets to build a business that runs smoothly. With the right systems in place, you can reduce admin, improve visibility, and focus on what really matters: growing the business.

    As technology tools become more accessible, now is the time to assess what you’re using— and whether those tools are helping you move forward or slowing you down.

  • Nigerian scientist pioneers defence tech, clean water, waste-to-wealth innovation

    Nigerian scientist pioneers defence tech, clean water, waste-to-wealth innovation

    A Nigerian engineer and researcher, Reuben Kabantiyok, is gaining global recognition for pioneering indigenous innovations in national defence, clean water access, and waste recycling, using cutting-edge nanotechnology and advanced materials science.

    Speaking with newsmen on Saturday, Kabantiyok, a metallurgical and materials engineer and PhD researcher at the University of Tulsa, USA, said his work is focused on solving Nigeria’s most pressing challenges through localised, science-driven solutions.

    From his base in Tulsa to his roots in Kaduna, Kabantiyok is helping reshape how Nigeria approaches self-reliance in the defence sector. He is developing fatigue-resistant smart alloys such as nickel-titanium (Nitinol), engineered to withstand Nigeria’s harsh environments and military demands. “Many of our current materials aren’t built for local conditions. We must engineer with our terrain, climate, and people in mind,” he said.

    Kabantiyok is also advocating the use of Nigeria’s abundant raw materials—brass, bauxite, and steel waste—in local defence manufacturing. He is collaborating with Nigerian firms like Imperium Industries and the Defence Industries Corporation of Nigeria (DICON) to build a private-led military industrial complex that can drive indigenous weapons production.

    In the water sector, he consults for Schrödinger Technologie Nigeria, where he deploys nano-engineered filtration systems to underserved communities across northern Nigeria. “Conventional water treatment methods are expensive and often impractical in remote areas.

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    With nanotechnology, we can design low-cost systems that remove heavy metals, microbes, and chemical contaminants with minimal maintenance,” he explained.

    Kabantiyok is also exploring how agricultural and industrial waste can be turned into biodegradable structural materials. His research transforms chicken feathers, snail shells, and palm kernel husks into eco-friendly composites for use in construction, packaging, and environmental remediation. “Waste is everywhere in Nigeria. If we process it smartly—especially at the nanoscale—it becomes wealth,” he said.

    In the health sector, Kabantiyok is enhancing the performance of Nitinol-based cardiovascular implants, such as stents and guidewires, with the aim of increasing their durability and reducing the need for repeated surgeries among heart patients in low-resource settings.

    He urged the Nigerian government and institutions to establish low-cost nanomaterials laboratories in universities and polytechnics across the country, adding that, “We have the talent, we have the materials, and we have the problems worth solving. All we need is the commitment to build research systems that work for our context.”

  • Lagos ranked world’s fastest-growing emerging tech hub

    Lagos ranked world’s fastest-growing emerging tech hub

    Lagos has been ranked as the world’s fastest-growing emerging technology ecosystem in 2025, according to a comprehensive report by data analytics firm, Statisense.

    The report published on X placed Istanbul in second position, followed by Pune, Belo Horizonte, Mumbai, and Curitiba. Riyadh, Johannesburg, Chennai, and Ho Chi Minh City completed the top ten.

    Statisense is a leading artificial intelligence data analytics company known for its annual ecosystem intelligence reports across emerging markets.

    The report stated that the rankings were based on enterprise value, unicorn count, funding growth, GDP per capita, and cost of living. 

    Other cities on the list included Kyiv, Mexico City, Vilnius, Jakarta, Bengaluru, Zagreb, Dhaka, Bangkok, Santiago de Chile, and Kampala.

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    Earlier on Monday. Lagos Governor, Babajide Sanwo-Olu, said the State government created an enabling environment for technology innovation to thrive through deliberate policies and investments. 

    He explained that the environment spurred Lagos-based startups to raise over $1.2 billion in 2023, representing 75 per cent of all startup investments in Nigeria.

    Sanwo-Olu made this known during the Art of Technology Lagos 6.0 event held in Lagos, with the theme “Artificial Intelligence And The Lagos Digital Economy”.

    Represented by Deputy Governor, Obafemi Hamzat, he said: “Through deliberate policies and investments, we have created an enabling environment that fosters innovation and positioned Lagos as a global player in the technology value chain. The achievements reflect the ingenuity of our people and our unwavering commitment to innovation. But we must continue to build on this foundation to secure our position as a leader in the global tech ecosystem.”

    Managing Director, Enterprise Business Group at Huawei Technologies, Terrens Wu, who delivered the keynote paper at the event, said from the first growth curve of the informatization age, human society has achieved ubiquitous interconnection, connecting a large number of users and causing a traffic explosion. 

    “This has accelerated the demand for digital transformation in human society and spawned a second growth curve with 5G and cloud as the main engines. At present, the third growth curve leading the intelligent world is ready to take place, and human society is entering a new era of comprehensive intelligence,” he said.

    According to him, the demand for artificial intelligence computing power is increasing rapidly. 

    “By the end of this year, we expect that the demand for AI computing power may exceed the demand for general computing power. Building an elastic and efficient multi-calculation infrastructure with optimal AI computing power, which is about building an AI native cloud infrastructure, is the key to AI development.”

  • TECH-U researchers break new ground with inventions to tackle fuel adulteration, substandard electric poles

    TECH-U researchers break new ground with inventions to tackle fuel adulteration, substandard electric poles

    In a major stride for indigenous innovation, researchers at the Abiola Ajimobi Technical University (TECH-U), Ibadan, have recorded two significant breakthroughs aimed at tackling fuel adulteration and the growing threat of substandard concrete electric poles.

    Announcing the dual milestones, the Vice-Chancellor of the University, Professor Adesola Ajayi, hailed the innovations as evidence of TECH-U’s rising prominence in development-focused and problem-solving research.

    One of the inventions, a Smart Tracking System for Substandard Concrete Electric Poles, earned a patent registered by the Federal Government on April 22, 2025.

    The system enables real-time monitoring of electric poles, integrating civil engineering and digital technologies to detect and prevent the deployment of faulty infrastructure that could lead to collapse, injury, or power outages.

    The patented innovation was developed by a multidisciplinary research team led by Dr. Gideon Bamigboye of the Civil Engineering Department. Other members include Dr. Jide Akinsola (Computer Science), Dr. Luqman Oloore (Physics and Science Laboratory Technology), Dr. Abraham Aworinde (Electrical and Biomedical Engineering), and Dr. Folasade Afolabi (Food Science and Technology).

    The second invention, a Self-Monitoring and Reporting Technology (SMART) fuel quality detection device, addresses the widespread issue of petrol adulteration.

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    The hand-held device, developed in collaboration with researchers from Obafemi Awolowo University (OAU), Ile-Ife, and the University of Ibadan, detects contaminated petrol in real time and halts its flow automatically.

    The SMART device incorporates Arduino Nano-based ATMega328 controls, adaptive temperature sensors, a mini submersible pump, and an LCD interface.

    It can identify adulterated fuel in under a second and block it from further passage using an automated electronic funnel.

    Led by Professor Oyetunde Adeaga of TECH-U’s Department of Mechanical and Mechatronics Engineering, the team includes Dr. B.V. Omidiji and Dr. K.N. Awokoya (OAU) and Dr. S.A. Akintola (University of Ibadan).

    The inventors say the device has the potential to prolong engine life, reduce environmental pollution, and create job opportunities through mass production and servicing.

    Professor Ajayi praised the research teams, calling the innovations “a clear demonstration of TECH-U’s commitment to finding homegrown solutions to Nigeria’s pressing infrastructural and technological challenges.”

  • French Tech Lagos sparks dialogue on AI, inclusion, future skills

    French Tech Lagos sparks dialogue on AI, inclusion, future skills

    AS artificial intelligence reshapes the global economy, the question of how to equip the next generation for jobs that don’t yet exist has risen again.

    This and more was at the heart of the latest initiative by French Tech Lagos, which brought together students, tech professionals and global thought leaders for a two-part program: a high-impact AI hackathon and an exclusive conference with Kwame Yamgnane, co-founder of the pioneering coding school 42.

    On June 19, 2025, French Tech Lagos hosted a one-day AI Hackathon at the Lycée Français Louis Pasteur in Lagos, engaging 10th-grade students in tackling real-world business challenges using AI.

    With the support of companies such as SPIE, Koolboks, KPMG and Mitsio Motu, students formed teams and worked on industry-based problem statements ranging from sustainable cooling systems to digital finance.

    Expert mentors from Robotics and Artificial Intelligence Nigeria (RAIN), guided the teams throughout the day. The winning team, Adeyeni, Janelle and Juanita, stood out for their work on a solution proposed by Mitsio Motu and will be attending GITEX Nigeria in September, one of the continent’s leading tech events.

    On June 27, French Tech Lagos hosts an exclusive keynote conversation with Kwame Yamgnane, a leading figure in global tech education. Holding at Impact Hub Lagos, the event will explore how artificial intelligence is redefining the skills we need and the way we learn them.

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    Kwame Yamgnane is CEO of Qwasar Silicon Valley, former Deputy CEO of Epitech, and co-founder of 42 – born2code, the groundbreaking coding school with no teachers, tuition or diplomas, now present in over 40 countries. His vision has disrupted traditional education and opened tech careers to thousands from all backgrounds.

    In a conversation moderated by Guillaume Niarfeix, MD SPIE Services Nigeria, he will share his vision for rethinking education in a fast-changing world: what human and technical skills matter most in the age of AI, how inclusive training models can bridge the digital divide, and how to better connect local challenges with global opportunities.

    More than just a conference, this event is a call to rethink education as a tool for resilience, creativity, and opportunity in a fast-changing world.

    By bringing Yamgnane’stransformative perspective to Lagos, French Tech Lagos aims to spark new ideas and new alliances at the intersection of innovation, inclusion, and impact.

  • EU to offer tech business opportunities to African, Latin American, Asia countries

    EU to offer tech business opportunities to African, Latin American, Asia countries

    • By Justina Asishana, Oslo

    The Vice President of the European Commission for Technological Sovereignty, Security, and Democracy, Henna Virkkunen, has disclosed that the European Commission will deploy EU technology business offers to partner countries in Africa, Latin America and Asia.

    She said that this is being done because no country or region can lead the technology revolution alone, as partners are needed if digital innovations are to work.

    Virkkunen disclosed this during a high-level session, “Digital Public Goods and Global Digital Cooperation” at the ongoing 2025 Internet Governance Forum (IGF) held in Lillestrøm, Norway.

    She said that the EU technology business offer would be done by combining European Union public and private industries through its global gateway, adding that moves are being made to establish new partnerships and foster collaboration so the countries can connect through new digital partnership networks.

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    “The aim is to support the digital transition of partner countries, incorporate components such as AI factories, investment in secured and trusted communication, digital public infrastructure and cybersecurity.

    “This offer will include modular reusable building blocks, concrete digital public goods tailored to local needs and anchored in open standards and interoperability. The EU is ready to work with partners to make the future internet a better place for everyone, including our children”, she said.

    Speaking of artificial intelligence, she advocated the need for AI not to be left in the hands of a few individuals or be reduced to a test of supremacy among advanced artificial intelligence powers.

    “Everyone should have access to artificial intelligence, which is a critical technology. The EU is committed to building a rules-based global digital order in rules with our fundamental values.

    The Vice President further urged nations, organisations and individuals to take advantage of artificial intelligence governance as it is a movement that will shape and open inclusive and trusted digital governance.

    Speaking in the same vein, Norway’s Minister of Digitalisation and Public Governance, Karianne Tung, noted the need for governments and stakeholders to better use technological resources more efficiently and effectively.

    She stressed the need for countries to cooperate and help each other and share technology both at the national and international levels.

  • Erilearn to empower 1000 girls in tech

    Erilearn to empower 1000 girls in tech

    Erilearn, an innovative learning platform aimed at addressing unemployment and skill gaps in the job market, is set to empower 1,000 girls in tech across Nigeria by providing accessible, market-driven tech skills along with internship and job placement support.

    The “1000 Girls in Tech” project will launch on November 4, 2024, offering free training in relevant tech fields to 1,000 girls, including those looking to transition into tech. 

    The initiative will take place in three states: Lagos, Enugu, and Abuja.

    Executive Director Taiwo Joseph stated that the organization’s goal is to help aspiring individuals, particularly girls, in choosing a career path across various fields.

    “Erilearn offers a practical approach that assists aspiring individuals in selecting a career path, acquiring the necessary skills, securing financial support, and gaining access to internship and job opportunities.

    “Women and girls often lack access to opportunities for education and training in tech-related fields, leading to disparities in employment and economic empowerment.

    “To address this issue, we propose a project aimed at training 1000 girls in technology skills, free of charge, provided they meet the specified requirements”, she said.

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    Stating the requirements, Taiwo Joseph stated that eligible participants are between age 18 and 35 years and they will go through an application stage, selection stage, training and certification stage.

     She said: “Presently we are in the application stage and we have 928 registered participants so far, we are left with 72 more applicants, after this stage, there will be training sessions on learning experiences and practical knowledge, qualified participants are on-boarded onsite at a communicated venue on an approved date, the on-boarded participants are given access to the learning modules for virtual learning sessions that provide hands-on experiences and practical knowledge, then successful participants will be assembled at the physical site for the graduation ceremony and certification.

    “Through this initiative, we hope to empower and equip 1000 girls with essential technical skills and knowledge, increase the representation of women in the tech industry, create a supportive and inclusive learning environment for girls interested in technology.”

    Joseph joined other international bodies to celebrate the International Day of The Girl Child, noting that it is important to give voice to young girls and help them find their feet early enabling them reach their full potential, she also urged girls to be “extraordinary and exist beyond the ordinary.”

    “In celebration of the International Day of the Girl Child, it is crucial to recognize the importance of “empowering young girls to reach their full potential. 

    Empowering girls means providing them with access to education, opportunities, and a supportive environment that allows them to break barriers and contribute meaningfully to society.

    “As girls, you hold the power to shape your future. Choose positive paths—pursue your passions, embrace knowledge, and surround yourselves with people who inspire growth.

    “Don’t just live to fulfill the norms; be extraordinary and exist beyond the ordinary. Your uniqueness and strength are what the world needs, so dream big and strive to make a difference!”

    Addressing the low percentage of women in tech and scientific fields, Joseph stressed that this year’s focus is on cultivating more women in technology, which will help boost their representation in the industry.

    “Bringing women and girls to the forefront of technology demands collective action. This year’s priority theme emphasizes the need for all of us to work together to create meaningful change.

    “Despite their significant contributions to human innovation, women and girls remain underrepresented in science, technology, engineering, and mathematics (STEM). 

    “They make up just 35% of students in STEM education globally. In the technology sector, women hold less than a third of positions, and in the rapidly growing field of artificial intelligence (AI), they account for only 22% of the workforce.

    “Addressing these disparities requires united efforts to ensure that women and girls can fully participate and thrive in the digital world”, he said.

    The organization called on private, public and international bodies to support the project which is aimed at providing girls with quality education, mentorship and opportunities needed to wedge the storm of life and enhance the girl child growth.

    “Our project is dedicated to providing girls with access to quality education, mentorship, and opportunities that will help them break barriers and reach their full potential.

    “We are calling on sponsors to partner with us in this transformative mission. By supporting our project, you will be directly contributing to the growth and development of young girls who will become tomorrow’s leaders, innovators, and changemakers. 

    “Together, we can create a future where every girl has the opportunity to thrive, make an impact, and live beyond the limitations of societal norms.

    “Your support can help us make this vision a reality. Join us in empowering girls and shaping a brighter future for all.”