The Nigerian Women in Information Technology has launched the Campus Tech Queens Initiative, a national programme to prepare female students for global digital excellence and leadership.

The initiative was unveiled on Wednesday at Kogi State Polytechnic in Lokoja. It is a hackathon-driven, mentorship-based scheme to identify, train, mentor and showcase female tech talents across Nigerian campuses.

NIWIIT’s president, Oluwakemi Ayodele, said the programme would help bridge the gender gap in the technology ecosystem. She said it would promote inclusion, professional development and technological advancement for women and girls in information technology.

According to her, the initiative will run through six stages, beginning with campus sensitisation, registration, capacity building and mentorship.

Ms Ayodele urged female students to seize the opportunity, saying, “The digital economy needs your voice, your creativity and your brilliance.”

She appealed for government backing, adding, “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.”

The commissioner for innovation, science and technology, Helen Aderibigbe, pledged her ministry’s support for the initiative. She encouraged female students to explore their potential and contribute meaningfully to Nigeria’s tech growth.

The education commissioner, Wemi Jones, reaffirmed the government’s commitment to girl-child education and empowerment.

The polytechnic’s rector, Sanusi Avidime, assured the association of the institution’s support.

Chairman of the Nigeria Computer Society, Kogi chapter, Godwin Sani, described the initiative as “timely, strategic and visionary”. He said it would provide structured pathways for female students to grow, compete, collaborate and lead in technology.

Sani pledged the society’s support, noting that it aligns with its mission to promote digital literacy, innovation, and close gender gaps in computing.

(NAN)