The group noted that a 36% gap exists between the number of men and women working in information technology, and thus urged governments at all levels to actively encourage girls to pursue careers in this field.

In Abuja on Friday, the group's Research and Influencing Manager Tunde Aremu said that in order to secure safer spaces for girls with access to technology, we must provide them digital education.

He said, “The huge margin to cultural assumptions that some types of facilities are better suited for boys compared to girls must change through deliberate interventions by the government.

“The cultural bottlenecks needed to be attacked and modified for access to technology for the girl child. What research has shown is that in terms of access to digital facilities between men and women, in terms of GSM technology and digital access, there’s that wide margin of about 36 per cent between boys and girls, men and women in the country.

“We feel that some of these are often occasioned by cultural prescriptions and assumptions that some type of facilities and professions are better suited to the male child, the belief that some men sit better in some professions than women.

“Conscious efforts of demands in those driving the affairs of the country to consciously invest in it, then it’s a major challenge. Beyond investment, we must consciously step out and create safer spaces where these girls can have access to technology and make use of them,” the group stressed.

In her speech, the Project lead urged students to take advantage of opportunities in technology. She also encouraged them to steer clear of negative "tech" culture.

Ayo-Aderele said, “There are many scholarship opportunities that technology has created of which you can take part. I advise you to shun the negative exposure that comes with technology. I encourage you to shore up your skills and convert them to technological use. There is no one with knowledge of ICT and its certifications that ever stays jobless,” she disclosed.