Young tech prodigy Zainab Akinola inspires at international girls in ICT day in Lagos
In a powerful showcase of female innovation and empowerment, rising tech talent Zainab Akinola took centre stage on Thursday, May 8, 2025, at the International Girls in ICT Day event held at Yurdais Heights, Idowu Martins, Victoria Island, Lagos.
The event, themed “Reducing the Gender Gaps,” was sponsored by Cisco in partnership with WISE Nigeria and brought together aspiring young minds eager to explore opportunities in technology.
Zainab, recognised for her outstanding achievements in software engineering at a young age, was invited as a special guest interviewee.
During the highly anticipated Firechat Session—widely considered the highlight of the day—she shared her journey into the tech industry, candidly addressing the challenges girls face and offering practical solutions to help them succeed.
She highlighted two major barriers: the male-dominated perception of tech and the high cost of training. “Many girls think tech isn’t for them simply because they don’t see enough women in the field,” she said. “But that’s changing. More girls are not only learning tech—they’re excelling.”
On the issue of affordability, Zainab stressed the importance of accessible learning.
“Not everyone can afford training programs that cost hundreds of thousands, even millions. But that’s no reason to give up. Platforms like YouTube offer free resources where anyone can start learning at their own pace,” she encouraged.
The event also featured a hands-on segment where participants worked in teams on creative projects using Scratch, turning the venue into a buzzing mini tech boot camp filled with energy and innovation.
Reflecting on her experience, Zainab said, “I’m truly honoured to have been part of this event—not just attending, but speaking and connecting with the next generation of tech leaders. It means so much to be recognised and to inspire others to chase their dreams.”
About Author
