Women in Technology in Nigeria (WITIN), in partnership with the National Data Protection Commission (NDPC), on Monday hosted a high-level session highlighting the role of citizen-generated data, participatory science, community-led innovation and inclusive STEM education in driving digital inclusion, evidence-based policymaking and sustainable development in Nigeria.
The session, held as part of the WSIS Forum 2026, featured experts who stressed the need to democratise innovation by empowering communities to actively contribute to scientific research, technology development and policy formulation.
Speaking virtually at the forum, Dr. Patricks Oghuma, Deputy Director and Head of the Engineering and Frontier Technologies Service Team at the Strategy Implementation Task Office of the Presidential Executive Order No. 5 in the Federal Ministry of Innovation, Science and Technology, said innovation should be accessible to everyone.
According to him, “Innovation is not the privilege of a few—it is the collective inheritance of humanity.”
Oghuma urged stakeholders to embrace innovation as a democratic process that recognises the value of citizens’ data, community knowledge and young people’s participation in science, technology, engineering and mathematics (STEM).
He said inclusive data governance strengthens trust in digital systems, explaining that innovation becomes more equitable when communities are involved in decisions on how their data is collected and used.
The deputy director cited examples of community-led innovation, including indigenous climate adaptation methods and grassroots water conservation initiatives, describing them as sustainable solutions developed from local experience.
He also highlighted the importance of citizen science, noting that young people in rural communities who develop air quality monitoring sensors are not only learning science but also contributing to public health, environmental protection and policymaking.
Oghuma called on government ministries and institutions to move beyond symbolic engagement by giving communities greater influence in innovation processes.
He advocated the integration of indigenous knowledge into national innovation strategies, increased funding for grassroots innovation laboratories and the use of citizen-generated data in government policy dashboards.
He concluded by urging stakeholders to build innovation ecosystems that are participatory, inclusive and equitable.
Also speaking at the event were Vincent O. Olatunji, Pioneer National Commissioner and Chief Executive Officer of the Nigeria Data Protection Commission, and Markie Idowu.
The session was hosted and moderated by Martha Omoekpen Alade, founder of Women in Technology in Nigeria.
