RetGrow and Elsiential Foundation Graduate 60 Female Students in Lagos Digital Programme

The RetGrow Initiative, in collaboration with The Elsiential Foundation, has empowered over 60 female students of Muslim Senior College, Oworonshoki, Lagos, following the completion of a two-month intensive digital training programme. Tagged the Digital Skill-Up Programme (DSUP) 2.2 2026 and themed "Empowering the Next Generation with Digital Skills," the programme equipped participants with practical knowledge in digital literacy, graphic design, content creation, social media management, civic advocacy, digital safety and leadership development.

Programme Designed for Long-Term Impact, Not a One-Off

Speaking at the graduation ceremony, Founder of RetGrow Initiative, Mr Nassir Abdulraheem, said the programme was established to provide young people with the platforms and resources they need to succeed. He described the initiative as a long-term intervention, noting that sustainability plans had already been set in motion through the establishment of an ICT Club within the school. He also announced that a new cohort is scheduled for October.

We have established an ICT Club in the school, and students will continue to receive mentorship through regular sessions. This programme is not a one-off intervention; it is designed for long-term impact.

— Nassir Abdulraheem, Founder, RetGrow Initiative

Abdulraheem noted that participation grew beyond the initial 60 students as others observed the programme's impact firsthand. He added that while the initiative began within the Lagos community, the ambition extends beyond a single school or city. He appealed to donors, sponsors and stakeholders to support the initiative to enable wider reach.

The kind of programme solves the problem of agency for those who have dreams. It opens the door of opportunity.

— Nassir Abdulraheem, Founder, RetGrow Initiative

Bridging the Digital Divide Among Young Girls

Lead Implementation Partner of The Elsiential Foundation, Mrs Elsie Olalere, said the initiative was specifically designed to ensure young girls are not left behind in a technology-driven society. She noted that many female students still perceive technology as difficult or inaccessible, and that the programme was structured to challenge and dismantle that perception. The ICT Club, she added, would help sustain knowledge gained during training by giving students hands-on management of the school's digital platforms.

Technology has no gender. We want these girls to understand that they can thrive in the tech ecosystem regardless of their age or background.

— Elsie Olalere, Lead Implementation Partner, The Elsiential Foundation

80% Practical Learning Model, AI Included

Social Media Coordinator of The Elsiential Foundation, Mr Joseph Nako, said the training adopted an 80 per cent practical and 20 per cent theoretical learning model to ensure participants gained genuine hands-on experience. Topics covered included operating digital devices, navigating operating systems, setting up social media accounts and managing emails. Nako described Artificial Intelligence as a transformative technology and encouraged students to embrace it responsibly to enhance creativity and critical thinking.

Government, School Leadership Back the Initiative

Representative of the Lagos State Ministry of Youth and Social Development, Mrs Bello Omolara, described the programme as timely and impactful, saying it would help participants become more creative, innovative and career-focused in an era increasingly shaped by digital technology and AI. Principal of Muslim Senior College, Mr Ogundola Olatunbosun, commended the organisers and called for greater government and private sector involvement in similar programmes.

I commend the two partnering organisations that seek to build the next generation. It is time for government and NGOs to do better because these are the future leaders who will build Nigeria and compete globally.

— Ogundola Olatunbosun, Principal, Muslim Senior College

Students Speak: "We Want Them to Return"

One of the beneficiaries, Miss Nowola Modinat, said the programme significantly expanded her knowledge of content creation, graphic design and social media management. She noted that she had some prior knowledge of graphic design but learned considerably more during the training, including the responsible use of digital tools such as Canva.

On behalf of myself and my colleagues, we want the organisers to return with future editions of the programme because it has inspired many students to explore opportunities in technology.

— Nowola Modinat, Programme Beneficiary

The programme closed with a renewed commitment from organisers and partners to continue promoting digital literacy among young Nigerians and preparing them for full participation in the global digital economy.