By Esther Onyegbula

A youth-led digital inclusion initiative, RETGROW, in partnership with TeensLaunchAfrica, ARTIFI and CharisBlack Projects, has trained 51 Junior Secondary School 3 (JSS3) girls of a public school in Oworoshoki, Lagos, on basic digital and creative technology skills, as part of efforts to bridge the digital divide and expand safe opportunities for young girls in underserved communities.

The two-day programme, held in March, focused on digital literacy, online safety, artificial intelligence awareness, social media skills and introductory graphic design. Organisers said the sessions were designed to expose the students to practical, technology-enabled career pathways while equipping them with knowledge to navigate the digital space safely.

Speaking on the initiative, Founder of RETGROW, Mr Nasir Abdulraheem, said the programme was informed by the growing vulnerability of young girls in low-income communities and the need to introduce them early to positive uses of technology.

According to him, beyond skills acquisition, the training sought to address broader social challenges by demonstrating how digital tools can create safer learning, expression and economic opportunities for girls.

“The interest and engagement from the students were remarkable. Many of them expressed curiosity about creative digital careers and showed enthusiasm during hands-on sessions in graphic design and responsible social media use,” Nasir said.

He noted that the initiative aligns with RETGROW’s mission to promote youth digital inclusion through community-based education, adding that partnerships with organisations working in education, technology and child development were key to the success of the programme.

Facilitators at the event reportedly introduced the students to basic concepts of artificial intelligence, emphasising ethical use and personal safety online, while practical sessions helped participants explore creativity using simple digital tools.

Organisers disclosed that basic impact data, participant feedback and photo documentation were recorded during the programme, and that facilitators as well as school representatives are available to provide further insights into the outcomes of the training.

Education stakeholders have continued to call for increased investment in digital education at the basic school level, particularly for girls in public schools, as Nigeria navigates a technology-driven global economy.

The Oworoshoki training adds to growing grassroots efforts aimed at ensuring that young girls are not left behind in the country’s digital transformation journey.