From Amedu Joseph, Lokoja
The Nigerian Women in Information Technology (NIWIIT) has launched the Campus Tech Queens Initiative (NCTQI), a national programme aimed at preparing female students in tertiary institutions for global digital excellence and technology leadership.
The initiative, officially launched on Wednesday at Kogi State Polytechnic, is a hackathon-driven, mentorship-based programme designed to identify, train, mentor and showcase female tech talents across Nigerian campuses.
Speaking at the launch, NIWIIT President, Dr Oluwakemi Ayodele, said the programme is designed to bridge the gender gap in Nigeria’s technology ecosystem.
She emphasised that the initiative would promote gender inclusion, professional development and technological advancement for women and girls in information technology.
According to her, NCTQI will run through six stages: campus sensitisation and registration; capacity building and training; mentorship and ideation; state-level hackathon competitions; a national grand finale; and post-hackathon incubation and leadership development.
“The digital economy needs your voice, your creativity and your brilliance,” she told participants.
Dr Ayodele also appealed to state governments to support the initiative.
“Let’s work together to develop local solutions and drive innovation. We urge governments to partner with us to build a stronger, tech-advanced Nigeria,” she said.
In her keynote address, the state Commissioner for Innovation, Science and Technology, Dr Helen Aderibigbe, commended NIWIIT’s initiative and pledged her ministry’s partnership.
“I don’t just offer words; I offer you a partnership. My ministry is committed to supporting this initiative, expanding broadband access and driving technological advancement for the benefit of our youth and the state,” she said.
She encouraged female students to explore their potential and contribute meaningfully to Nigeria’s growing tech sector.
The Commissioner for Education, Hon. Wemi Jones, represented by the Ministry’s Director of Tertiary Education, Alhaji Abdulrahman Mohammed, reaffirmed the government’s commitment to promoting initiatives that support girl-child education and empowerment.
The Rector of Kogi State Polytechnic, Prof. Sanusi Avidime, praised the initiative and assured the association of the institution’s support.
Chairman of the Nigeria Computer Society (NCS), Kogi State Chapter, Mr Godwin Sani, described the initiative as “timely, strategic and visionary.”He noted that it would provide female students with structured pathways to grow, compete, collaborate and lead in technology.
Female participants at the event, including Rachel Ojo from Federal University Lokoja and Damilola Akere from Kogi State Polytechnic, described the programme as impactful and beneficial.
Ojo said the initiative would help many young women acquire valuable digital skills, while Akere noted that it encouraged participants to be bold and confident in pursuing careers in technology.
The launch attracted representatives of NCS, NIWIIT, institutional partners and other stakeholders, including virtual participants.
The highlight of the event was the official unveiling of the NIWIIT Campus Tech Queens Initiative by the Commissioner for Innovation, Science and Technology.Ends.