The Visiola Foundation has concluded its 2026 Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics Summer Camp for 100 teenage girls drawn from 45 public secondary schools across the Federal Capital Territory.
The eight day programme focused on renewable energy, electronics, automation and engineering design.
Participants between the ages of 13 and 17 studied electricity, solar and wind energy, smart technologies, microcontroller programming and the process of turning engineering ideas into working prototypes.
Students worked in teams to identify energy related challenges in communities and develop practical solutions.
The programme ended with a Renewable Energy Innovation Challenge in which teams presented prototypes before a panel of judges.
Group Eight emerged as the winning team with a SmartFarm prototype designed to automate farm operations and improve efficiency.
Visiola Foundation President Ladé Araba said practical learning was particularly important for public school students who might have limited access to laboratories and advanced technical equipment.
She said Africa’s growing youth population made investment in technical education increasingly important for employment, productivity and long term growth.
FGN Power Company Chief Executive Kenny Anuwe, who served as chief judge, said the students demonstrated a strong grasp of engineering concepts and the ability to turn ideas into functioning projects.
He argued that Africa could not solve its energy challenges while leaving a large portion of its talent outside science and engineering careers.
The camp covered energy storage, smart systems, sensors, energy efficiency and programming in addition to renewable power.
Projects presented at the final challenge included solar devices, automated lighting, electronic circuits and smart energy management systems.
Blue Camel Energy, a technical partner, said it would continue supporting programmes that expose girls to engineering and renewable energy careers.
Organisers said the initiative was intended to build confidence, technical ability and a pipeline of young women capable of contributing to Nigeria’s future energy sector.
