Stakeholders in Nigeria’s digital ecosystem have expressed confidence that artificial intelligence (AI) holds the transformative capacity to lift millions of young girl12`s off the streets by opening pathways to education, employment and financial independence, if governments at all levels work in coordinated partnership with private organisations and philanthropists to drive access and inclusion.
The call was made at the 2026 International Telecommunications Union (ITU) Girls in ICT Day, held at the headquarters of the Digital Bridge Institute (DBI) in Abuja, where participants urged policymakers to move beyond rhetoric and commit to sustained investment in digital opportunities for girls.
Leading the charge, President/Chief Executive Officer of DBI, David Daser, said Nigeria is at a critical juncture where empowering girls with digital skills could redefine the country’s economic trajectory.
Represented by the Institute’s Director of Special Duties, Viola Askia-Usoro, Daser emphasised the need to shift from advocacy to measurable action.
“As we celebrate this day, I call on parents, teachers, industry leaders, corporate organisations, philanthropists and policymakers, let us move beyond rhetoric. Let us fund girls’ tech education, create safe digital spaces, and actively recruit young women into AI and telecom careers,” he said.
He stressed that AI is not merely a technological advancement but a socio-economic tool capable of transforming lives, particularly for vulnerable girls at risk of exclusion.
“Girls must not only be users of technology; they must become designers, innovators and leaders shaping the future of artificial intelligence. If we invest deliberately in them, we are investing in a future where fewer young people are left behind,” Daser added.
The DBI boss said the institute is expanding its training programmes in coding, data science, AI ethics and telecommunications engineering, with a deliberate focus on boosting female participation.
He warned that Nigeria risks falling behind in the global digital economy if it continues to overlook its vast pool of untapped female talent.
“Inclusive innovation strengthens our national capacity to respond to emerging disruptions. Young women represent a significant but underutilised talent base that we must urgently harness,” he said.
Also speaking, Chief Executive Officer of HerCode Technology Initiative, Oluchi Ada Ufomadu, highlighted AI as a powerful gateway to economic empowerment for girls, especially in underserved communities.
According to her, the growing accessibility of AI-driven tools has significantly lowered entry barriers into the tech ecosystem.
“AI can open up opportunities for the future, especially financially. Girls can help themselves and their families, learn valuable tools, and even transform their communities. It shows them that there are other ways to make a living,” Ufomadu said.
She noted that women currently account for only about 20 per cent of the global technology and AI workforce, describing the disparity as both alarming and unacceptable.
“We need more girls in tech, not just for inclusion, but for the perspectives they bring. Increasing female participation will strengthen innovation and improve the systems we build,” she added.
Ufomadu identified awareness as the first critical step in bridging the gender gap, noting that many girls remain unaware of available opportunities.
“Awareness is key. Many girls don’t know where to start, but opportunities exist in institutions like DBI and through organisations like ours. They can begin right here in their communities,” she said.
She also addressed concerns about the misuse of artificial intelligence, stressing the importance of ethical knowledge and responsible application.
“AI is a tool. The person behind the tool determines how it is used. With the right knowledge, it can be directed toward social good,” she explained.
Participants echoed similar sentiments, noting that exposure to digital tools is already transforming learning experiences and expanding opportunities for young girls.
One participant, Deborah Onu, shared how AI tools have enhanced her academic work and independent research, underscoring the immediate benefits of digital inclusion.
The event, themed “AI for Development: Girls Shaping the Digital Future,” brought together policymakers, educators, tech experts and students to explore strategies for expanding girls’ participation in science, technology and innovation.
Beyond the discussions, a clear consensus emerged: AI is no longer a distant concept but a practical pathway to economic empowerment: one that can significantly reduce youth vulnerability, unemployment and social exclusion if properly harnessed.
Stakeholders, however, warned that realising this potential requires deliberate and coordinated action.
They called on federal, state and local governments to integrate AI and digital skills into school curricula, invest in community-based tech hubs, strengthen public-private partnerships, and promote safe, inclusive learning environments for girls.
They also emphasised the importance of grassroots engagement, noting that local leaders must be equipped with the knowledge and tools to support digital initiatives within their communities.
“It starts with awareness, even at the grassroots. Leaders must understand that these opportunities exist and that there are safe spaces where girls can learn and grow,” Ufomadu noted.
