Ruth Usoro is a passionate Programs and Project Manager, Tech Advocate, and mentor committed to bridging the digital divide for girls and young people in underserved communities across Nigeria. Her work focuses on equipping teenage girls especially in Northern Nigeria with digital, entrepreneurial, and leadership skills that help them reimagine their futures.
Read more about her incredible story below:
Ruth’s journey began in Calabar, where she served as a Programs Manager at iKapture Centre for Development. With no prior experience in the role, she was mentored by Mrs. Grace Ihejiamaizu, who introduced her to the world of youth development. Through iKapture’s training programs in public speaking, communication, digital skills, and personal development, Ruth found her voice and passion for empowering others an experience that laid the foundation for everything that followed.
During her NYSC year in Kebbi State, Ruth was posted to the Ministry of Women Affairs and later served under the Governor’s Office as an ICT personnel, where she taught computer skills to children in an orphanage. There, she witnessed the extent of the digital divide; many girls had never used a computer. This sparked a deep resolve to change the narrative for girls in underserved communities.
Since then, Ruth has dedicated herself to girl-centered education and empowerment. She currently serves as the Chapter Ambassador for Northern Nigeria for Technovation Girls, where she mentors teams of girls to build technology solutions that solve real-world problems. She also leads Train-the-Trainer workshops, equipping local women and educators with the skills to support girls in their regions. Under her mentorship, several teams have emerged as global finalists, with some of the girls securingfully funded scholarships to top institutions like the African Leadership University.
To deepen her grassroots impact, Ruth founded TeensChamps Africa a youth-led initiative that empowers African teenagers through hands-on training in technology, entrepreneurship, and soft skills. Although the registration process is still ongoing, the initiative is already active, training teens in coding, digital literacy, leadership, and problem-solving to prepare them for the future of work.
Ruth also launched Web3Her, an initiative focused on introducing girls in Northern Nigeria to blockchain and Web3 technologies, ensuring they are not left behind in the emerging digital economy. To date, Ruth has personally trained over 1,000 girls and contributed to initiatives that have reached more than 10,000 girls across Nigeria. Her efforts have sparked confidence, inspired innovation, and opened doors for girls who once believed tech was out of their reach.
On Challenges faced :
Despite her success, Ruth’s journey has not been without obstacles. As a woman in tech and leadership, she has faced gender bias, exclusion, and inappropriate demands. Often told that “software is for men” and advised to pursue only design roles, she refused to accept limitations placed on her because of her gender. Instead, she turned her challenges into fuel rising to lead, mentor, and clear the path for others. Through it all, Ruth remains driven by one purpose: To ensure every girl knows her voice matters, her dreams are valid, and her potential is limitless no matter where she start.
Connect to Ruth Usoro here, Instagram, LinkedIn, Facebook
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