Lekan Yusuf, Ibadan
Ibadan Digital Academy has been officially designated as the Oyo State Innovation Hub for the National Girls in ICT – Innovate, Code & Lead Nigeria initiative, a major federal programme aimed at expanding digital skills and innovation opportunities for secondary school girls across the country.
The initiative is spearheaded by the Federal Ministry of Communications, Innovation and Digital Economy under the leadership of Bosun Tijani. It is designed to promote inclusive access to ICT education for girls in all 36 states of the federation and the Federal Capital Territory.
As the designated Innovation Hub for Oyo State, Ibadan Digital Academy will coordinate and implement a four-week intensive, hands-on ICT training programme for selected secondary school girls. The academy will also provide mentorship in coding, problem-solving, and design thinking, while hosting the Oyo State Innovation Showcase to prepare outstanding teams for participation at the National Innovation Showcase.
In addition, the academy will support the establishment and growth of Girls Code Clubs in participating schools, ensuring that the impact of the initiative extends beyond the initial training period.
Speaking with journalists, the Chief Executive Officer of Ibadan Digital Academy, Engr. Peter Olutayo Ojo, described the designation as both an honour and a responsibility.
“We are proud to serve as the Oyo State Innovation Hub. This initiative aligns with our mission to equip young girls with practical digital skills, nurture innovation, and strengthen school–hub collaboration. By supporting both the state and national showcases, we aim to create meaningful and measurable learning experiences for all participants,” he said.
On the sustainability of the Girls Code Clubs, Ojo emphasized that the academy is committed to ensuring the programme continues long after the initial phase.
“We are committed to ensuring the Girls Code Clubs continue beyond the initial programme. Schools receive starter kits with hardware and learning materials, while our hub trainers and mentors provide ongoing guidance. Alumni girls are encouraged to mentor younger students, creating a self-sustaining peer-learning cycle that keeps the clubs active and impactful,” he added.
He further noted that the initiative strongly aligns with the academy’s broader vision of building digital capacity among Nigerian youth.
“This initiative reflects our mission to expand practical digital education and build technology capacity among Nigerian youth. By equipping girls with coding, problem-solving, and innovation skills, we foster an inclusive, future-ready workforce and nurture a generation of innovators and leaders who can contribute meaningfully to Nigeria’s digital economy,” Ojo stated.
The designation of Ibadan Digital Academy as Oyo State’s Innovation Hub marks a significant step toward deepening inclusive digital education and empowering girls to take leading roles in Nigeria’s rapidly evolving technology ecosystem.
