OWSD UniLag - Celebrates the International Day of the Girl Child.
Girls on the Frontlines: Leading Crisis Response with Digital Technology.
The International Day of the Girl Child is celebrated annually on October 11 to raise awareness about the challenges faced by girls globally and to promote their empowerment.
This year’s theme, “The Girl I Am, The Change I Lead: Girls on the Frontlines of Crisis,” was adapted locally by the OWSD, UNILAG Branch to: “Girls on the Frontlines: Leading Crisis Response with Digital Technology.”
LOC of event: Dr. Stephenie Chinwe Alaribe (Chairperson); Dr. Stella Anyama; Dr Omolola Ogbolumani; Dr. Cordelia Dueke-Eze; Dr. Mosunmola Akinwunmi; Dr. Olaoluwa Temitope Talabi.
Training (July 9, 2025)
In preparation for the celebration, a hands-on training session was held on July 9, 2025, focusing on MIT App Inventor, Design Thinking, UI Design, and creative problem-solving.
The goal was to inspire participating students to develop mobile applications addressing key Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) — particularly Health (SDG 3), Agriculture (SDG 2), Environment (SDG 13 & 15), and Education (SDG 4).
The ten participating schools were:
- Mainland Senior High School, Yaba
- Surulere Girls Senior Secondary School, Surulere
- Aiyetoro Senior Grammar School, Ebute Metta
- Akintan Senior Grammar School, Surulere
- Stadium Senior High School, Surulere
- Gbaja Girls Senior High School, Surulere
- Fazil-Omar Senior High School, Iwaya
- Ideal Girls Senior High School, Surulere
- Clegg Senior Girls High School, Surulere
- Community Senior High School, Surulere
The training extended beyond July 9 through follow-up mentorship, enabling the girls to stabilize their ideas and create impactful digital solutions.
Main Event (October 10, 2025)
The grand finale was held on October 10, 2025, to commemorate the International Day of the Girl Child. It was a bright and beautiful morning as students, teachers, guest speakers, special guests, members of the Local Organizing Committee (LOC), Board of Governors (BOG), sponsors, and online participants gathered. The event officially commenced at 10:12 a.m. after the rendition of the National and UNILAG Anthems.
Opening Session
The moderator of the great occasion was Dr Cordelia Dueke-Eze. The Opening Remark was delivered by Professor Aderonke Samuel, Chairperson, OWSD UNILAG Branch. Goodwill messages followed from:
- Professor Babalola, African Representative, UNESCO/TWAS/OWSD
- Professor Folasade Olajuyigbe, National Coordinator, OWSD Nigeria
Guest Presentations
Dr. Stella Anyama introduced the participating schools and their teachers. Inspirational talks were delivered by Engr. Flora Omolara Olumakin and Mrs. Toluwaleke Ademosun, whose citations were read by Dr. Akinwunmi and Dr. Talabi, respectively.
Competition Segment
Dr. Omolola Ogbolumani presented a summary of the students’ projects, after which each school pitched its developed apps in a 2-minute presentation.
Results:
- Clegg Senior Girls High School – EnviroTech: Gamifying Environmental Action (SDG 13 – Climate Action) – Score: 90.99
- Akintan Senior Grammar School – EcoWise Mobile App (SDGs 3, 13 & 15 – Health and Environment) – Score: 68.33
- Community Senior High School – Fit4Life (SDG 3 – Good Health & Well-being) – Score: 67.02
Awards: Each of the top three winning schools received a laptop donated by PCTS and cash prizes of ₦50,000, ₦30,000, and ₦20,000, respectively, sponsored by YEDIS.
Health Outreach
In partnership with SAGELIFE, a free Pap Smear screening was offered to 20 women, alongside an awareness session on women’s health and preventive care.
Closing Session
A Vote of Thanks was delivered by Dr. Stephenie Chinwe Alaribe, Chairperson of the LOC, followed by a Closing Prayer led by a student from Fazil-Omar Senior Secondary School.
The event concluded in an atmosphere of celebration, gratitude, and hope — indeed, a glorious day to the glory of God.
