In a major step toward addressing gender inequality in Nigeria’s growing tech industry, education provider TechLearn has partnered with Odua Nigeria Ltd to train and empower 500 women through a nationwide digital skills initiative.

The collaboration, announced this week in Lagos, will see the two organizations roll out a women-focused tech bootcamp designed to equip participants with high-demand skills such as software development, digital marketing, UI/UX design, and data analytics.

According to TechLearn, the initiative aims to close the gender gap in the technology sector by creating pathways for women—particularly those from underserved communities—to access the tools, mentorship, and opportunities needed to thrive in today’s digital economy.

“Women remain vastly underrepresented in Nigeria’s technology sector, not because they lack talent, but because they lack access,” said Mr. Kingsley Nwosu, founder of TechLearn. “This partnership with Odua Nigeria Ltd is about removing those barriers and giving women the chance to learn, lead, and innovate.”

The training program, which will launch in August, is expected to serve women across Lagos, Ibadan, and Abeokuta. Delivered in a hybrid format, the bootcamp will offer both online classes and in-person workshops through dedicated learning hubs. Participants will also receive career mentorship, entrepreneurship support, and internship placements with local tech startups and small businesses.

The initiative is fully funded by Odua Nigeria Ltd, which will provide each participant with a laptop, internet access, and training materials at no cost. Priority will be given to young women from low-income backgrounds, women returning to the workforce, and recent graduates interested in launching tech careers.

“We believe that when you invest in women, you invest in families, communities, and the country’s future,” said Mrs. Adetola Adebayo, Head of Corporate Social Responsibility at Odua Nigeria Ltd. “This partnership allows us to create long-term impact by giving women the skills to become not just tech users but creators, innovators, and leaders.”

Odua Nigeria Ltd is known for its community-based development programs, particularly those focused on education, sustainability, and entrepreneurship.

The partnership comes at a time when Nigeria’s digital economy is expanding rapidly, with startups and enterprises facing a growing need for skilled workers. Yet, women still make up a small percentage of the tech workforce. Industry experts have identified lack of access to training and mentorship as significant barriers to entry for many Nigerian women.

By providing inclusive, no-cost training, TechLearn and Odua Nigeria Ltd hope to build a more diverse talent pipeline for the country’s tech sector.

“Technology is one of the most powerful drivers of economic and social transformation, but only if it’s accessible to all,” Nwosu said. “This initiative is designed to make sure women are not left behind in the digital revolution.”

Organizers say the program is intended as a pilot, with plans to expand in the coming years. If successful, the bootcamp could grow to reach over 2,000 women nationwide, with additional hubs proposed for Northern Nigeria.

Applications for the program are now open via the TechLearn website, and the first cohort is expected to begin training in August 2023.