Woman boosts effort to close STEM gaps with tech initiative

From Femi Folaranmi, Yenagoa

A Nigerian social innovator and youth development advocate, Grace Ihejiamaizu, is leading the charge to close the Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics (STEM) gap with her global initiative: Technovation Girls.

The initiative had 20 teams of girls between the ages of eight and 18 from undeserved communities in Cross River and Akwa-Ibom States appearing before panels of judges to pitch mobile app solutions built by them to address environmental challenges, access healthcare, and education in the 12-week global technology and entrepreneurship programme.

Ms Grace, who is the South-South Nigeria chapter Ambassador, has been a driving force in breaking the gender barriers in the tech ecosystem and equipping girls with 21st-century skills.

When girls were given the tools and mentorship to innovate, they not only built apps, they also built confidence, purpose, and a future where they lead’’ Grace stated.

Technovation, a global programme present in over 100 countries, invites girls to learn coding, mobile app development, and business planning, culminating in regional and global pitch events.

According to findings, for many participants in Uyo, it was their first time presenting ideas publicly — a significant step for girls who were often underrepresented in science, technology, engineering, and math (STEM).

The event was more than just a competition; it was a movement of empowerment. With the help of mentors, teachers, and community partners, the girls developed tech solutions addressing climate change, mental health, digital literacy, and gender inequality. Among the standout teams were those who included sign language in their apps to promote accessibility and inclusion.

For Grace Ihejiamaizu, who has spent the last decade working at the intersection of education, entrepreneurship, and youth empowerment, Technovation is more than a program — it’s a platform for reimagining leadership.

She said, “I believe Africa’s next generation of changemakers will come from the margins — from communities where girls are rarely told they can lead in tech. That’s who I show up for.”