NIWIIT Oyo State Chapter Champions Girls in Tech: Celebrating International Girls in ICT Day and Tech Innovation

  • May, Sat, 2025

The Nigerian Women in Information Technology (NIWIIT) Oyo State Chapter is on a mission to inspire the next generation of female AI innovators. In the past few months, the chapter has taken bold steps to bridge the gender gap in technology by creating the Girls in AI Club. This initiative has been mentoring and empowering girls across Oyo State with artificial intelligence skills.

On the 8th of May 2025, the NIWIIT Oyo State Chapter marked Girls in ICT Day at the Local Government House, Secretariat, Agodi, Ibadan. This event brought together over 250 students from 10 secondary schools across the state. It was a celebration of innovation, learning, and the power of technology to transform lives.

The day’s highlight was the graduation of 130 students from the Girls in AI Club, a significant milestone in their journey toward becoming future AI innovators. The graduation ceremony, led by Dr. (Mrs.) Oyelakun, included the presentation of certificates to the graduates, recognizing their dedication and achievements.

The event was spearheaded by Madam Samotu Adejoke, NIWIIT Oyo State Coordinator, with the Planning Committee chaired by Cecilia Adenusi, NIWIIT Oyo PRO and STEM Coordinator. Other distinguished members of the committee included Dr. Oluwaseyi Funmi Afe, Dr. (Mrs.) Omokehinde Deji-Akinpelu, Dr. (Mrs.) Khadijat Ladoja, Dr. (Mrs.) Olarenwaju, Mrs. Chris-Alofe, Mrs. Enitan Olaosebikan, Mrs. Olaniyan Abolade, Dr. (Mrs.) Yetunde Oguns, Dr. (Mrs.) Adekunbi Omotoso, and Dr. (Mrs.) Funmi Ipeayeda.

Students from the following schools participated: Bishop Philips Academy, Isabatudeen Girls’ Grammar School, Bashorun High School, Bishop Onabanjo School (Ashi Bodija), Oba Akinbiyi Memorial School (Bashorun), Horlicks School (Olodo), Tobi International School (Jericho), Eleyele Secondary School, Abass Schools (Aleshiloye), and Poly High School.

Distinguished guests at the event included the Oyo state Commissioner for Information, Honorable Prince Dotun Oyelade, the Permanent Secretary, Mr. Babalola, the first female Africa Computer Science Professor, Prof. (Mrs.) Adenike Osofisan, the Chairman of the Nigeria Computer Society (NCS), Oyo State Chapter, Mr. Babatunde Bamgbade, former NIWIIT President, Dr. (Mrs.) Florence Babalola, Immediate Past Oyo NIWIIT Coordinator, Mrs. Bose Owolabi, and a host of others.

A major highlight was the AI project showcase, where students demonstrated their innovative solutions, including Diagnobot (an infectious disease system), Langbot (an AI sign language translator), an AI menstrual cycle tracker, and EduWatch. After an evaluation by the judges — Mr. Niyi Omikunle, Mrs. Mobolaji Idowu, Mrs. Yetunde Olasoji, and Mr. Sope Folayan — Diagnobot emerged as the best project, followed by an AI Cyberbullying Detector and an AI Breast Cancer Detection Tool in second and third places, respectively.

The day also featured a tech talk session, including a hands-on workshop on UI/UX design by Ms. Toluwanimi Omotoso, using the Opay App prototype to demonstrate practical skills.

NIWIIT Oyo extends its gratitude to all supporting partners, including Galaxy Backbone, SQI College of ICT, Kids Tech Empowerment Foundation, Hsprojects Technologies Ltd, Toibox.ng, Nigeria Tribune, Studio 9, and the NCS Oyo State Chapter for making the event a resounding success.

As NIWIIT continues to empower girls through technology, it calls on more girls to join the movement. If you believe in the power of technology to transform lives, consider joining NIWIIT today. Together, we can shape the future of women in tech and build a more inclusive digital world.