National Technology Icon at the National Technology Innovation Honors

The National Technology Icon award is one of the most prestigious recognitions conferred at the National Technology Innovation Honors (NTIH) – a platform celebrating Nigeria’s foremost visionaries driving systemic transformation through innovation. This award category is reserved for individuals whose enduring contributions have laid the foundation for national technological progress, inspired institutional change, and accelerated inclusive digital growth across sectors.

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Eretoru Robert, a trailblazing data scientist and technology strategist, has been named National Technology Icon, joining a distinguished cohort of innovators whose work is reshaping Nigeria’s digital future. Her career – defined by bold vision, systems thinking, and data-driven leadership – demonstrates the powerful intersection of science, technology, and policy in delivering solutions that create lasting national impact.

Her influence spans the design and deployment of high-impact data systems powering public sector reform, health surveillance, digital education, and financial inclusion. Her platforms have simplified citizen access to essential services, driven institutional efficiency, and deepened transparency in governance. Beyond her technical achievements, Robert is also a mentor, ecosystem builder, and vocal advocate for women in tech – helping to democratize access to digital skills and leadership pathways.

The National Technology Icon award is not only a personal milestone; it is a national endorsement of thought leadership and a testament to how data science can drive meaningful change. Nominees are evaluated through a rigorous lens, with criteria that include:

• Proven leadership in building transformative digital systems or platforms;
• Demonstrable outcomes in public service delivery, tech ecosystem growth, or policy innovation;
• A track record of applying data, AI, or emerging technologies to solve complex developmental challenges;
• Measurable national impact and influence on future generations of technology professionals.

Past Honorees in Major Categories Include:

• Eretoru Robert (2024)
• Oluchi Nwafor (2023)
• Tajudeen Bello (2022)
• Zainab Garba (2021)
• Emeka Nwachukwu (2020)
• Aisha Danlami (2019)
• Chinyere Okonkwo (2018)

Each honoree exemplifies the NTIH standard: innovation rooted in Nigerian realities, with outcomes that ripple across communities and position the nation for global competitiveness.

As Nigeria’s digital economy expands, the National Technology Icon award remains a powerful symbol of what is possible when brilliance meets purpose. Her recognition signals more than success – it affirms her role as a torchbearer for a future where data, equity, and innovation are the pillars of national development.