The Nigerian Women in Information Technology (NIWIIT) has launched a new national programme called the Campus Tech Queens Initiative (NCTQI) to help female students in Nigerian universities and polytechnics learn technology skills and grow into future leaders in the digital industry.
The initiative was officially unveiled at Kogi State Polytechnic in Lokoja, bringing together technology professionals, educators, government officials, and students who gathered to support efforts aimed at increasing female participation in Nigeria’s growing digital economy.
According to NIWIIT, the Campus Tech Queens Initiative is designed to discover, train, mentor, and showcase female technology talent across Nigerian campuses. The programme focuses on preparing young women for careers in technology while also building their confidence and leadership capacity within the tech ecosystem.
Speaking during the launch, NIWIIT President, Oluwakemi Ayodele, explained that the programme was created to address the gender gap that still exists in the technology sector.
She said the digital economy requires more female voices and talents, adding that empowering women in technology will help drive innovation and economic growth across the country.
“The digital economy needs your voice, your creativity, and your brilliance,” Ayodele told the female students at the event.
She explained that the initiative will run through a structured six-stage programme designed to guide participants from initial awareness to full innovation development.
The stages include campus sensitization and student registration, capacity building and technical training, mentorship and ideation sessions where students will develop technology-based ideas.
Participants will then move into state-level hackathon competitions where teams will present solutions to real-world challenges. Winners from these competitions will proceed to a national grand finale, after which selected projects will enter post-hackathon incubation and leadership development programmes.
Ayodele encouraged female students across Nigeria to take advantage of the opportunity, noting that the initiative is meant to provide a clear pathway for women who want to build careers in technology.
“We urge female students to participate actively. This initiative is about giving you the platform, the mentorship, and the exposure you need to thrive in technology,” she said.
She also called on state governments and institutional stakeholders to support the programme so it can expand to campuses across the country.
“Let’s work together to develop local solutions and drive innovation. We urge governments to partner with us and build a stronger, tech-advanced Nigeria,” Ayodele added.
The launch event also received support from the Nigeria Computer Society (NCS) and officials from the Kogi State Ministry of Innovation, Science and Technology.
In her keynote address, the state’s Commissioner for Innovation, Science and Technology, Helen Aderibigbe, praised the initiative and announced that the ministry would partner with the programme to strengthen digital opportunities for young people.
“I don’t just offer words, I offer you a partnership,” Aderibigbe said.
“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 also encouraged female students to explore careers in technology and contribute to Nigeria’s digital transformation.
The Commissioner for Education, Wemi Jones, represented by the Ministry’s Director of Tertiary Education, Abdulrahman Mohammed, reaffirmed the government’s commitment to supporting initiatives that promote education and empowerment for girls.
The Rector of Kogi State Polytechnic, Sanusi Avidime, also commended NIWIIT for launching the programme and assured the association of the institution’s support.
Chairman of the Nigeria Computer Society Kogi State Chapter, Godwin Sani, described the initiative as a strategic step toward developing the next generation of female technology professionals.
“This initiative is timely, strategic, and visionary,” Sani said.
He explained that the programme will provide female students with structured opportunities to grow their technical skills, collaborate with peers, and compete at higher levels in the technology sector.
Female students who attended the event also expressed excitement about the initiative.
Rachel Ojo, a student of Federal University Lokoja, said the programme provides valuable opportunities for female students interested in technology.
“It’s a great programme that can benefit many females, teaching them valuable skills that can impact their lives. I learned a lot and will encourage others to join,” she said.
Another participant, Damilola Akere from Kogi State Polytechnic, said the initiative encouraged young women to become more confident in the technology field.
“The programme encouraged us in tech, teaching us to be bold and courageous. It stood out among other events, and I really learned a lot,” she said.
