Empowering Nigeria’s Future: TechHer and plan international launch third Cohort of STEM Mentorship Programme

Nigeria’s future hinges heavily on tech innovation and the inclusion of its teeming youth population. Experts from civil society made this claim at the recent launch event for the third cohort of the DigiStars Mentorship Programme in the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Abuja. They spoke further about fostering Nigerian students’ interest in meeting global technological innovation and standards.

The launch event, held in the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), brought together experts from civil society, educators, and students, all united by a shared vision of harnessing technology to drive positive change in Nigeria. The significant expansion of the programme to eleven schools across the FCT is a clear testament to its growing success and the power of collaboration in driving positive change.

In a resolute effort to bridge the digital gender gap and empower the next generation of Nigerian leaders, TechHer and Plan International have forged a strong alliance. This initiative is dedicated to equipping young girls with the digital literacy skills necessary to thrive in Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics (STEM) fields, where women are often underrepresented.

By providing comprehensive training in Cybersecurity and Coding, the programme empowers young girls to navigate the challenges of the digital age with confidence and creativity. The six-month programme commenced in 2022 and has already shown impressive results, with students reporting improved academic performance and a newfound sense of purpose.

Queeneth Njoku, Communications Officer at Plan International, emphasised the importance of nurturing young people’s interest in STEM education: “By providing students with the necessary tools and support, we can encourage them to pursue careers in innovation and progress, rather than generic career paths.”

“It is important that the schools also recognise the importance of fostering their children’s interest in STEM education, equipping them with essential tools to thrive in these fields, and moving them away from generic career paths. By doing so, we encourage and support their meaningful contributions to areas of innovation and progress,” she said.

Ugochi Ihe, Digital Literacy Associate at TechHer, stressed that the DigiStars Mentorship Programme is more than just a skills-training initiative – a beacon of hope for a brighter digital future in Nigeria. She reiterated the organisation’s commitment to bridging the digital gender gap: “At TechHerNG, we believe every student deserves access to digital tools and resources. Our mission is to empower girls with digital skills, enabling them to navigate challenges and pursue their interests confidently.”

Ugochi Ihe, Digital Literacy Associate at TechHer, highlighted the organisation’s commitment to bridging the digital gender gap, particularly among students in the FCT and beyond. She underscored the significance of initiatives like the DigiStars Mentorship Programme in empowering girls with digital skills, enabling them to navigate challenges and pursue their interests confidently.

“At TechHerNG, one of our missions is centred around bridging the digital gender gap, starting with students in the Federal Capital Territory (FCT). This commitment led us to establish the School Tour Project and the Digistars Mentorship Project, both geared towards providing students with exposure to digital tools and resources while instilling in them the importance of digital literacy,” Ihe stated.

The ceremony featured inspiring testimonials from recent graduates, who shared how the DigiStars Mentorship Programme has positively impacted their lives. Ihe also stressed how their stories testify to the programme’s transformative power and potential to drive positive change in Nigeria.

“The DigiStars Mentorship Programme’s third cohort expansion is a testament to the successes of the previous cohorts, highlighting the transformative power of collaboration and strategic investment in STEM education for young girls. We are eager to witness the profound and lasting impact this initiative will have on these students’ lives, building on the impressive achievements of its predecessors,” she said.