Two industry giants, MTN Nigeria and Digital Encode have thrown their support behind the 2025 edition of the International Girls in ICT Day campaign, signaling a renewed push to close the gender gap in Nigeria’s tech sector.
The event, scheduled for May 15, 2025, at the Lagos Oriental Hotel, is being organized by eBusiness Life Communication Limited in line with the International Telecommunication Union (ITU)’s global campaign to inspire and empower young girls to pursue careers in information and communication technology. This year’s theme is “Girls in ICTs: Bridging ALL Divides for an Inclusive Digital Transformation.”
According to Ufuoma Emuophedaro, CEO of eBusiness Life and convener of the event, the campaign plays a critical role in redefining the future of technology and expanding the participation of women in the field. She stressed the urgency of exposing girls to opportunities in ICT early, especially given Nigeria’s ongoing gender imbalance in the sector.
Despite progress, women still account for only around 20% of the ICT workforce in Nigeria, with men nearly twice as likely to pursue careers in tech-related fields. Mrs. Emuophedaro emphasized that both the public and private sectors must do more to introduce girls to science and tech paths, enabling them to contribute meaningfully to the nation’s digital and economic development.
MTN Nigeria, a communications leader serving over 87 million subscribers, reiterated its commitment to gender inclusion through digital education and innovation. With a focus on expanding digital literacy and career readiness, MTN’s continued support reflects its broader mission of driving inclusive digital transformation in Nigeria.
Also joining the campaign is Digital Encode, a top cybersecurity and compliance firm known for its expertise in securing enterprise IT infrastructures. With experience spanning areas like penetration testing, computer forensics, and business continuity, Digital Encode aims to lend its technical prowess and advisory support to empower the next generation of female ICT professionals.
The 2025 event will feature a range of engaging activities, including a robotics competition for female students, STEM quizzes, panel discussions, and mentoring sessions led by successful women in tech. The goal is to not only educate but also inspire girls to see themselves as future leaders and innovators in ICT.
The International Girls in ICT Day, declared by ITU to be observed every fourth Thursday in April, continues to serve as a reminder to society of the importance of supporting girls in pursuing tech careers.
This year’s edition promises to bring together key government officials, private sector leaders, educators, and young girls from across the country for a day of learning, connection, and empowerment.
