Women’s Technology Empowerment Centre says it has trained more than 60,000 women and girls in technology over the last 18 years, as the organisation expands its focus on Artificial Intelligence (AI) education and digital inclusion across Nigeria.
Speaking during an interview with newsmen in Lagos, the External Relations Lead of WTEC, Mr Adeyemi Odutola, said the non-profit organisation remains focused on bridging the technology gap for women and strengthening partnerships within the Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics (STEM) ecosystem.
According to him, WTEC is currently working with experts, government institutions, development partners and international technology companies to widen access to digital opportunities for women and young girls in different parts of the country.
Odutola said the organisation is also updating its curriculum to reflect the growing relevance of AI in today’s workforce and digital economy.
“Our upcoming camps for this year, the focus is on AI. We will teach girls all about AI, job opportunities and also what to look out for,” he said.
He explained that the organisation’s long-term goal is not only to equip women with technical skills but also prepare them for future opportunities in emerging technology sectors.
Some beneficiaries of the programme also shared how the training impacted their personal and professional development.
An alumnus of the programme and WTEC’s best participant for 2024, Miss Favour Edem, said the organisation was intentional about ensuring students received practical knowledge and proper mentorship throughout the training process.
She noted that the programme helped her discover her preferred career path and exposed her to opportunities she had not considered before joining the initiative.
Another alumnus, Ms Temitope Olagunju, said participants were trained by experienced facilitators and mentors who guided them through both technical and business-related aspects of the programme.
According to her, the training improved her productivity, enhanced her research capabilities and helped her complete tasks faster in her workplace.
Olagunju added that participants were also taught how to develop business plans, pitch ideas and access opportunities that could support their businesses.
She said the certificates received from the programme had also increased her confidence professionally.
“Whenever I put forward those certificates, it automatically opens doors for me,” she said.
WTEC has continued to position itself as one of the organisations driving women-focused digital empowerment and AI education initiatives in Nigeria’s growing technology ecosystem.
