Plan International Engages Girls With ICT, Digital Innovation

In a bid to promote digital innovation, Plan International has engaged young girls, equipping them with deep knowledge of Information and Communication Technology (ICT) and digital innovation tools to foster national development.

Speaking yesterday in Abuja during the commemoration of International Girls in ICT Day 2025, Samuel Odili, an ICT teacher with Noble Leadership Academy, said the day was an opportunity to celebrate girls’ involvement in the field, which has traditionally been seen as male-dominated.

“Today, we celebrate Girls in ICT Day. ICT has long been perceived as a male-dominated field, but we are proud that both boys and girls now use the digital space and should be equally involved in ICT,” he said.

He noted that girls are now boldly stepping into the digital space, proving that innovation knows no gender.

“Our girls are excelling, not only in ICT but also in fields like engineering, aeronautics, and even the military and paramilitary services,” he said.

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Odili commended Plan International for being a committed non-governmental organisation empowering girls and millions of women across the country.

Odili said the event had a global outlook and emphasised that collective efforts were necessary to empower girls in the Federal Capital Territory (FCT) with the digital skills and confidence needed to thrive in today’s world.

Plan International is an independent development and humanitarian organisation focused on advancing children’s rights and gender equality. With over 80 years of experience, the organisation works in more than 70 countries, including Nigeria, where it has been active since 2014. Its efforts address the root causes of issues affecting girls, such as poverty, violence, exclusion, and discrimination.

“Our commitment is unwavering. Together, we can train and guide girls in ICT and digital technology across the country,” Odili added.

Also speaking, the head of Adolescent Girls at the FCT Women Affairs Secretariat, Dr Hauwa Aminu, said students participated in a quiz and debate competition on how they can empower themselves with digital skills.

Schools that participated in the quiz and debate competition are as follows: Wisdom International School, FCT, GSS Nyanya Light of Day School, among others.

“As we all know, the world is going digital. By 2050, as predicted by global experts, ICT will play a critical role in all aspects of life, including healthcare. It is important we prepare our young people for this reality,” she said.

Dr Aminu encouraged students to remain committed to developing their digital literacy, regardless of concerns about online insecurity.

“From the points raised during the debates, it’s clear that online threats aren’t the biggest barrier—discipline is. The internet offers security features, and the greatest risk often comes from users themselves, not hackers,” she explained.

She emphasised the importance of cybersecurity education: “Students should learn more about protecting themselves online. I am glad the organisers are creating avenues for them to gain digital skills, including cybersecurity training.”

“In my view, the internet is 100% safe if users are disciplined. With proper digital literacy—understanding what to do and what not to do online—users can stay safe while benefiting from the digital world,” she concluded.