LOKOJA – In a strategic move to shatter the glass ceiling in Nigeria’s technology sector, the Nigerian Women in Information Technology (NIWIIT) has officially launched the Campus Tech Queens Initiative (NCTQI).
The national programme, unveiled Wednesday at the Kogi State Polytechnic, Lokoja, is designed to transform female students into global digital leaders through a rigorous blend of mentorship, competition, and professional incubation.
The Six Stages of Excellence
Unlike standard workshops, the NCTQI is a comprehensive pipeline designed to take students from tech enthusiasts to industry-ready professionals.
Dr. Oluwakemi Ayodele, President of NIWIIT, detailed the initiative’s structured approach:
-
Sensitization: Campus-wide awareness and registration.
-
Capacity Building: Intensive technical training sessions.
-
Mentorship: Pairing students with industry veterans for ideation.
-
State Hackathons: Competitive problem-solving at the state level.
-
National Grand Finale: A showdown of Nigeria’s brightest female tech talents.
-
Post-Hackathon Incubation: Turning winning ideas into viable startups and leadership roles.
“The Digital Economy Needs Your Voice”
Addressing a packed hall of female students, Dr. Ayodele emphasized that gender inclusion is no longer a luxury but a necessity for innovation.
“The digital economy needs your voice, your creativity, and your brilliance,” she told the students. She also called on state governments to move beyond rhetoric and partner with NIWIIT to drive local innovation.
Government Pledges: More Than Just Words
The launch received a significant boost from the Kogi State Government. The Commissioner for Innovation, Science and Technology, Dr. Helen Aderibigbe, didn’t just endorse the event—she pledged a ministerial partnership to expand broadband access and support the “Tech Queens” throughout their journey.
“I don’t just offer words; I offer you a partnership,” Dr. Aderibigbe asserted, highlighting the state’s commitment to youth-led technological advancement.
Industry & Academic Support
The Rector of Kogi State Polytechnic, Prof. Sanusi Avidime, and the Chairman of the Nigeria Computer Society (NCS) Kogi Chapter, Mr. Godwin Sani, both hailed the initiative as “timely and visionary.” Mr. Sani noted that the program provides a “structured pathway” for women to not just participate, but to lead in computing and IT.
Student Voices: Bold and Courageous
The impact was immediate for the participants. Rachel Ojo from Federal University Lokoja and Damilola Akere from Kogi Polytechnic described the launch as a “top-notch” experience.
“The programme encouraged us in tech, teaching us to be bold and courageous,” Akere shared, noting that the initiative stood out for its practical impact on her confidence.
| Project Phase | Focus Area | Goal |
| Training | Skill Acquisition | Upskilling female students in coding & AI |
| Hackathon | Innovation | Solving local challenges with tech |
| Incubation | Entrepreneurship | Launching female-led tech startups |
The launch of NCTQI signals a new era for female representation in Nigerian tech, moving from basic literacy to high-level leadership and innovation.
