WITIN Girls, a Nigerian programme that encourages girls to pursue science and technology education, has received the Universal Access Service Excellence Award at the 2026 Commonwealth Telecommunications Organisation Digital Excellence Awards.
The initiative shared the news on LinkedIn, explaining that the honour reflects its work in bringing digital tools and science, technology, engineering and mathematics (STEM) education to girls who have limited access to such opportunities, particularly in remote and underserved communities.
To achieve this, WITIN Girls organises STEM clubs and community outreach activities where participants acquire digital competencies and learn how technology can be applied to solve problems in their local environments.
The award draws attention to the need to make technology education available outside conventional classrooms, giving more girls the knowledge and practical abilities required to thrive in an increasingly digital world.
WITIN Executive Director, Martha Alade, said the recognition reinforces the importance of ensuring that girls from disadvantaged communities are not excluded from opportunities in science, technology and digital learning.
“Every girl deserves the opportunity to learn, create, innovate and see herself as a contributor to the digital future,” Alade said.
Alade noted that meaningful digital inclusion must start within local communities and depend on ongoing support from teachers, parents, community members and government.
Meanwhile, the Chairperson of the WITIN Advisory Board, Dr Markie Idowu, said the achievement demonstrates the initiative’s commitment to preparing Nigerian girls to contribute to the digital economy and take up leadership positions.
The organisation acknowledged the contributions of its partners, coordinators, educators, mentors, parents, volunteers and supporting institutions, whose involvement has helped sustain its programmes.
It also thanked the Commonwealth Telecommunications Organisation for the award and recognised the leadership of its Secretary-General, Bernadette Lewis.
WITIN said it would maintain its community-level activities to help more girls acquire useful skills, engage with technology and create solutions to challenges affecting the people around them.
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