Lokoja: The Nigerian Women in Information Technology (NIWIIT) has launched the Campus Tech Queens Initiative, a national programme to prepare female students for global digital excellence and leadership. The initiative was unveiled at Kogi State Polytechnic, Lokoja, and aims to identify, train, mentor, and showcase female tech talents across Nigerian campuses through a hackathon-driven, mentorship-based scheme.
According to News Agency of Nigeria, NIWIIT President Dr. Oluwakemi Ayodele stated that the programme is designed to bridge the gender gap in the technology ecosystem and promote inclusion, professional development, and technological advancement for women and girls in information technology. The initiative will run through six stages, starting with campus sensitisation, registration, capacity building, and mentorship, followed by a state-level hackathon, national grand finale, and post-hackathon incubation and leadership development.
Dr. Ayodele encouraged female students to take advantage of this opportunity, emphasizing the need for the digital economy to incorporate the voice, creativity, and brilliance of young women. She called for government support to develop local solutions and drive innovation, urging partnerships to build a stronger, tech-advanced Nigeria.
Dr. Helen Aderibigbe, Commissioner for Innovation, Science and Technology, pledged her ministry’s support for the initiative, highlighting a commitment to expanding broadband access and advancing technology for youth and the state. She encouraged female students to explore their potential and contribute to Nigeria’s tech growth.
The Commissioner for Education, Mr. Wemi Jones, represented by Alhaji Abdulrahman Mohammed, Director of Tertiary Education, reiterated the government’s commitment to girl-child education and empowerment. Prof. Sanusi Avidime, Rector of Kogi State Polytechnic, assured the institution’s support for the association.
Mr. Godwin Sani, Chairman of the Nigeria Computer Society, Kogi chapter, described the initiative as timely, strategic, and visionary, providing structured pathways for female students to grow, compete, collaborate, and lead in technology. The society pledged support, aligning with their mission to promote digital literacy, innovation, and close gender gaps in computing.
Participants, including Rachel Ojo from Federal University Lokoja, praised the programme as impactful and beneficial for females, teaching valuable skills that can transform lives. Damilola Akere from Kogi State Polytechnic noted that the initiative inspired confidence and encouraged boldness in tech, standing out from other events and offering significant learning opportunities.