FAME Foundation Holds Herstem 3.0 Graduation Ceremony

Date: 15 October 2026
Venue: FAME Hub, Abuja
Organiser: FAME Foundation
Programme: HerSTEM Cohort 3.0

1. Introduction and Overview

FAME Foundation held the HerSTEM Cohort 3.0 Graduation Ceremony on 15 October 2026 at the FAME Hub, Abuja, to celebrate participants who successfully completed the programme and recognise their progress in digital literacy, personal development and skills acquisition.

The ceremony brought together representatives of partner organisations, disability inclusion advocates, stakeholders and graduating students to reflect on the importance of accessible digital education, leadership development and equal opportunities for persons with disabilities.

The event provided an opportunity to recognise the graduates’ achievements, share their learning experiences and encourage them to apply the knowledge and skills acquired towards their personal growth, professional development and participation in society.

The programme featured keynote addresses, goodwill messages, motivational speeches, graduates’ testimonials, remarks from the Executive Director and closing remarks. Across the various presentations, speakers emphasised self-confidence, continuous learning, practical application of skills, accessibility and the responsibility to contribute to a more inclusive society.

2. Highlights and Key Discussions

Knowledge, Attitude, Skills and Habits: Mr. Marcus Eberechi – Eminent Emerging Entrepreneurs Foundation

Mr. Marcus Eberechi highlighted the importance of developing the right foundation for personal and professional success through the KASH principle: Knowledge, Attitude, Skills and Habits.

He encouraged the graduates to prioritise intellectual development, cultivate positive attitudes, acquire relevant skills and develop habits that support long-term growth. He also emphasised the importance of integrity, awareness of government activities and maintaining a strong sense of purpose.

Turning Abilities into Opportunities: Mr. Godwin – Representing Mr. Emmanuel Izuchukwu Osita, TechAble Initiative

Mr. Godwin encouraged the graduates to recognise their individual strengths and identify ways to translate their skills and experiences into practical solutions. He stressed the importance of building portfolios that demonstrate their capabilities and can position them for future opportunities.

He further addressed the challenges of isolation within the disability community, encouraging participants to remain connected, explore available opportunities and actively contribute their ideas and talents.

Challenging Perceptions of Disability: Ms. Nenmeemwa Nelson – Representing Mr. Bitrus Wuni, The Deaf Technology

Ms. Nenmeemwa Nelson encouraged the graduates to recognise their abilities beyond the limitations often associated with disability. She emphasised that disability should not determine an individual’s aspirations, potential or access to opportunities.

Her message challenged participants to remain confident in their abilities, pursue their goals and approach barriers as challenges that can be addressed rather than reasons to give up.

Building the Will, Skills and Discipline to Succeed: Mr. Jake Epelle – TAF Africa

Mr. Jake Epelle congratulated the graduates and reminded them that graduation represents the beginning of new responsibilities, opportunities and leadership possibilities.

He introduced three essential qualities for success: Will, Skills and Drill. He explained that will represents determination and courage; skills involve the ability to apply acquired knowledge in practical situations; while drill represents discipline, consistency and the commitment to put in the required effort.

He challenged the graduates to demonstrate their knowledge through action, remain disciplined in pursuing their goals and embrace opportunities to improve themselves. He also encouraged them to prioritise constructive action and improvement over criticism.

Self-Belief and Personal Development: Mrs. Ifeatu Anafulu – Representing the Director-General of Galaxy Backbone

Mrs. Ifeatu Anafulu encouraged the graduates to believe in themselves and remain confident in their abilities as they pursue their personal and professional aspirations.

She reinforced the importance of self-belief as a foundation for recognising opportunities, overcoming challenges and making meaningful progress.

Advancing Opportunities for Women with Disabilities: Madam Oluchi – Representing the National Commission for Persons with Disabilities (NCPWD)

Madam Oluchi emphasised that women with disabilities need access to opportunities, not pity. She encouraged the graduates to recognise their worth, occupy spaces where decisions are made and become advocates for inclusive development.

She highlighted the importance of inclusive design and creating solutions that accommodate the needs of everyone, including persons with disabilities. She also encouraged the graduates to support other girls through their achievements, actions and willingness to create opportunities for others.

Her message reinforced the importance of moving beyond conversations about inclusion towards practical actions that enable persons with disabilities to participate fully in society.

3. Graduates’ Testimonials and Learning Experiences

A key highlight of the ceremony was the opportunity for the graduating students to reflect on their experiences and share how the HerSTEM programme had contributed to their personal development and digital skills acquisition.

Three graduates shared their experiences:

• Jamila expressed gratitude to FAME Foundation for welcoming the participants and providing a supportive learning environment where they felt accepted and encouraged throughout the programme.
• Joy shared her progress in digital literacy, explaining that she had limited computer knowledge before joining HerSTEM. She highlighted how the training had helped her develop practical computer skills and become more familiar with using technology.
• Ruth expressed satisfaction with the programme and appreciated the knowledge and skills acquired. She also shared her intention to apply what she had learned and continue developing her capabilities.

The testimonies demonstrated the value of accessible digital-skills training in building confidence, strengthening practical knowledge and expanding opportunities for girls and women with disabilities.

4. Executive Director’s Remarks

The Executive Director of FAME Foundation, Arabinrin Aderonke Atoyebi, congratulated the graduates and reminded them that graduation should not mark the end of their learning journey.

She emphasised that personal and professional development require continuous learning, curiosity and a willingness to improve. She encouraged the participants to remain committed to acquiring knowledge, strengthening their abilities and applying what they had learned in their everyday lives.

Her remarks reinforced FAME Foundation’s commitment to creating opportunities that support the growth, independence and empowerment of girls and women, including persons with disabilities.

5. Closing Remarks

The closing remarks were delivered by Mr. Abdulrazaq Suraju, Head Teacher of Abuja School for the Deaf, Kuje.

He encouraged individuals and organisations to actively identify with persons with disabilities and contribute to their development through meaningful support, inclusive practices and access to opportunities.

He further emphasised that building an inclusive society requires collective responsibility, encouraging stakeholders to move beyond awareness and participate in initiatives that promote the success and well-being of persons with disabilities.

6. Key Outcomes and Takeaways

The HerSTEM Cohort 3.0 Graduation Ceremony reinforced several important lessons and outcomes:

1. Digital Literacy and Empowerment: The graduates’ experiences highlighted the importance of accessible technology education in equipping girls and women with disabilities with practical skills.
2. Self-Confidence and Leadership: Participants were encouraged to recognise their abilities, challenge limiting perceptions and pursue opportunities with confidence.
3. Commitment to Lifelong Learning: Speakers reinforced that graduation is a milestone rather than an endpoint, encouraging participants to continue acquiring knowledge and improving their skills.
4. Disability Inclusion and Accessibility: Discussions highlighted the need to create accessible environments, promote inclusive design and ensure that persons with disabilities have equal opportunities to participate and contribute.
5. Practical Application of Skills: Graduates were encouraged to translate their knowledge into practical solutions, build professional portfolios and take on leadership responsibilities.
6. Community Support and Collective Responsibility: The ceremony highlighted the role of individuals, organisations and institutions in creating opportunities and supporting the development of persons with disabilities.

7. Conclusion

The HerSTEM Cohort 3.0 Graduation Ceremony marked an important milestone in celebrating the achievements and development of the programme’s graduating participants. Beyond recognising their completion of the training, the event provided a platform to highlight the importance of accessible digital education, inclusion, self-confidence and continuous personal development.

The graduates’ testimonies demonstrated how access to technology training can strengthen knowledge, build confidence and equip participants with practical skills for future opportunities. The contributions of the invited speakers further reinforced the need to move beyond conversations about disability inclusion and create environments where everyone can learn, participate and thrive.

FAME Foundation remains committed to promoting inclusive opportunities through initiatives such as HerSTEM, ensuring that girls and women, including persons with disabilities, have access to the knowledge, skills and support needed to pursue their aspirations and contribute meaningfully to society.