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A Nigerian initiative working to bridge the digital divide among young girls has received international recognition after winning the Universal Access and Service Excellence Award at the 2026 Commonwealth Telecommunications Organisation Digital Excellence Awards.
The initiative, known as WITIN Girls, operates under Women in Technology in Nigeria and focuses on introducing girls to science, technology, engineering and mathematics through educational programmes and community outreach.
Its programmes are designed to reach students in schools and communities where access to digital education remains limited, equipping them with practical skills to explore technology and develop solutions to everyday challenges.
The award acknowledges the organisation’s contribution to making digital learning more accessible, particularly for girls in underserved and hard-to-reach communities across Nigeria.
Executive Director of WITIN, Martha Alade, said the recognition reinforced the need to give more girls opportunities to acquire technological knowledge and participate in the digital economy.
She emphasised that digital inclusion should extend beyond providing access to technology, noting that girls also need the skills, confidence and support required to innovate and contribute to technological advancement.
Chairperson of the WITIN Advisory Board, Dr Markie Idowu, described the achievement as an endorsement of the organisation’s efforts to prepare Nigerian girls for meaningful participation in the digital economy.
The organisation also acknowledged the contributions of teachers, mentors, parents, volunteers, programme coordinators, partners and supporting institutions whose involvement has helped sustain its activities.
WITIN expressed appreciation to the Commonwealth Telecommunications Organisation for the honour, reaffirming its commitment to expanding grassroots technology education and creating more opportunities for girls to develop digital skills.
The 2026 awards also recognised initiatives from other Commonwealth countries in areas including cybersecurity, digital policy, electronic government services and digital innovation.
