A Nigerian initiative promoting digital skills and science education among girls has won the 2026 Universal Access and Service Excellence Award of the Commonwealth Telecommunications Organisation.
WITIN Girls, an initiative of Women in Technology in Nigeria, received the award for its efforts to expand access to digital learning and Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics education among girls, particularly in underserved communities.
The founder of WITIN, Martha Alade, disclosed this in an interview with the News Agency of Nigeria in Lagos on Thursday.
She said the initiative used STEM clubs and outreach programmes in schools and communities, including hard-to-reach areas, to equip girls with technology skills and encourage them to develop solutions to local problems.
“For us, this recognition belongs first to the girls,” Alade said, noting that the award celebrated their participation in creating, experimenting, solving problems and exploring new possibilities.
She said the recognition reinforced the organisation’s commitment to closing the digital divide and increasing the participation of women and girls in technology.
Alade also acknowledged the contributions of teachers, mentors, parents, volunteers, programme coordinators and partner institutions to the initiative’s work.
Established in 2002, WITIN promotes digital literacy, STEM education, mentoring and technology inclusion for underserved women and girls across Africa.
The organisation also advocates improved connectivity and greater access to digital opportunities, with the aim of advancing gender equality and diversity in the technology sector.
The Commonwealth Telecommunications Organisation’s Digital Excellence Awards recognise initiatives demonstrating innovation, measurable impact and leadership in information and communications technology across Commonwealth countries.
Other winners in the 2026 awards included Pakistan’s National Incubation Centers for Digital Policy and Regulatory Excellence, Botswana’s BwCIRT, Rwanda’s IremboGov and the United Kingdom’s I.AI Extract.
The UAS Excellence Award specifically recognises initiatives that improve digital inclusion and access to information and communications technology services for underserved and marginalised communities.
Alade thanked the CTO for the recognition and pledged that WITIN would continue to empower girls through digital skills development and STEM education.
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