In a bid to prepare young Nigerians for opportunities in the rapidly evolving digital economy, TechBridge Foundation has successfully trained secondary school students in Robotics, Artificial Intelligence (AI), and other emerging technologies through its 2026 RoboGirls with Ally Boys Initiative held in Abuja.
The two-day technology programme, which took place on May 15 and 16, brought together 50 students from selected secondary schools across the Federal Capital Territory (FCT) for practical learning, innovation-driven activities, and engineering challenges designed to strengthen interest in STEM education.
The initiative was organized as a pre-conference activity ahead of the forthcoming Nigeria Women in Information Technology Conference 2026 in collaboration with Pearls Learning Hub, Management Edge, and NEXTgen.
Participating schools included Government Secondary School, Bwari, Government Secondary School, Gwarinpa, Model Secondary School, Maitama, School for the Gifted, Gwagwalada, and Government Secondary School, Kuje.
During the programme, students received hands-on training in robotics, AI, and the Internet of Things (IoT), with sessions focused on robotic assembly, circuit building, coding principles, and problem-solving techniques.
Facilitators also guided participants through practical engineering exercises aimed at encouraging creativity, collaboration, and critical thinking.
The Foundation explained that the initiative was designed not only to equip students with future-relevant digital skills but also to encourage inclusive participation in technology by creating a collaborative learning environment for both girls and boys.
A major highlight of the programme was the robotics competition held on the final day, where participating teams showcased their newly acquired skills through robotic car construction and blinking LED circuit tasks.
At the end of the contest, Government Secondary School, Kuje emerged overall winner, while School for the Gifted, Gwagwalada secured second place and Government Secondary School, Gwarinpa came third.
The top three schools are expected to participate in the Nigeria Women in Information Technology Conference 2026 scheduled to hold on June 24.
Speaking on the impact of the initiative, TechBridge Foundation noted that programmes such as RoboGirls with Ally Boys are crucial to building the next generation of innovators, engineers, and technology leaders in Nigeria.
The Foundation reaffirmed its commitment to advancing digital inclusion, youth empowerment, and STEM education by providing young people with practical exposure to modern technology and innovation-focused learning opportunities.