Girls In ICT: Joy Buba Trains 30,000 Young Nigerians as the Next Generation of Tech Leaders

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Joy Buba, the Executive Secretary of Young Innovators of Nigeria, has built a national ecosystem where girls and young women access AI literacy, STEM training, and innovation spaces. 

As International Girls in ICT Day marks another year of championing women’s participation in technology, we speak with her about why early digital exposure is not optional but transformative.

Every year, International Girls in ICT Day reminds the world that technology shaped by diverse minds is better technology. In Nigeria, where digital skills remain locked behind barriers of access and opportunity, Joy Buba has spent years dismantling those barriers for young people, with particular focus on women and girls who historically get left behind. 

As Executive Secretary of Young Innovators of Nigeria, she coordinates national programs that have trained over 30,000 young Nigerians in digital skills, AI literacy, robotics, and entrepreneurship. Her HerDigital Future initiative alone has reached more than 1,500 women and people with disabilities.

1. Can you introduce yourself and what you do? 

My name is Joy Buba. I am the Executive Secretary/CEO of Young Innovators of Nigeria, a non-governmental organisation that has been empowering young Nigerians in innovation, digital literacy, and entrepreneurship for over 12 years. I also manage my tech company, Innovatrix Teams Limited, where I work as a tech entrepreneur focused on building solutions that support growth, learning, and digital transformation. My work sits at the intersection of innovation, youth empowerment, and technology development.

 2. What made you get into tech? What sparked that interest? 

My journey into tech began from a deep curiosity about how digital tools can solve everyday problems and open doors for young people like me. I was drawn to technology because I saw it as a bridge that could connect ideas to impact, and dreams to opportunity. Over time, that curiosity turned into passion, especially as I began to see how tech could empower communities, not just individuals. 

3. Did stereotypes about tech being for men affect you when starting out? Yes, at some point, I did encounter subtle stereotypes and assumptions about who “belongs” in tech. However, I learned early that those perceptions do not define capability. Instead of allowing them to discourage me, I used them as motivation to keep learning, to stay consistent, and to let my work speak for me. I also found strength in community, being surrounded by people who believed in inclusion and innovation, which helped me stay grounded. 

4. What has your experience in tech been like since you entered the space? 

My experience in tech has been both challenging and rewarding. It has been a journey of continuous learning, resilience, and growth. I have had opportunities to work on youth-focused innovation programs, digital skills training, and tech-driven projects that impact communities. At the same time, I have learned that progress in tech is not always linear it requires patience, adaptability, and a willingness to keep evolving.

 5. Can you share a challenge you faced as a woman in tech and how you overcame it?

 One major challenge has been being taken seriously in certain spaces where leadership in tech is still often male-dominated. At times, I had to work twice as hard to prove credibility. I overcame this by focusing on results, building strong partnerships, and consistently 

delivering value in every role I took on. Over time, consistency became my strongest voice. 

6. What advice would you give to women or girls trying to get into tech? 

My advice is simple: start where you are, and do not wait for perfect conditions. Learn consistently, stay curious, and don’t be afraid to take up space. Tech is not reserved for a particular gender It is for anyone willing to learn and grow. Surround yourself with supportive communities, and remember that your voice and ideas matter. 

7. Any project you’ve worked on that has made an impact? 

One of the most impactful aspects of my work has been through Young Innovators of Nigeria, where we empower young people with digital skills and innovation exposure. Seeing young women and men build confidence in tech, develop real projects, and step into opportunities they once thought were out of reach has been deeply fulfilling. It continues to reinforce my belief that when access meets opportunity, transformation happens.