On Tuesday, August 12, 2025, a remarkable story of empowerment unfolded in Kano State as 150 women graduated from an intensive four-month digital upskilling programme. Organised by the non-profit Webfala Digital Skills for All Initiative (WDSfAI), the second cohort of its flagship SafeHer STEM Skills programme marked another milestone in the organisation’s mission to close Nigeria’s tech gender gap.
At the graduation ceremony in Kano, Khodijah Lawal, WDSfAI’s Programme Lead for STEM Education and Digital Literacy, reflected on the initiative’s inclusive vision. For an entire four months, participants immersed themselves in practical training across three key tech disciplines—software development, cybersecurity, and data science. Complementing these hard-tech skills were essential soft-skills modules on communication, teamwork, and personal branding, equipping them with tools to stand out in today’s digital economy.
This training, Lawal emphasised, was not merely about technical fluency. It was designed to serve as a shield and a stepping-stone—helping women not only to compete professionally but also to fortify themselves against the pervasive threat of Sexual and Gender-Based Violence (SGBV). She articulated this dual purpose well: “We set out to bridge the gender gap in STEM, and to create opportunities where women are not only present in tech but are thriving and leading.”
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From Interest to Impact: Selection & State Endorsement
The demand for the programme far exceeded expectations, signalling a clear appetite among Kano women for digital empowerment. In the lead-up to the training, WDSfAI received 1,459 applications, shortlisted 512 candidates, and ultimately selected 150 participants for the intensive course, underscoring the great interest and the need for expansion.
Addressing stakeholders at the orientation, Yusuf Sharada, Senior Special Assistant on ICT to the Kano Governor, offered resounding commendation. He described the timing as “laudable” and aligned with the State’s broader goal to uplift women and youth through digital literacy. Sharada assured the organisers of continued support and promised that the Kano State government would nurture such impactful initiatives
This collaboration between civil society and government exemplifies how inclusive partnerships can scale social impact. WDSfAI’s director of communications and strategy, Hameed Muritala, emphasised that rolling out the programme in Kano fulfilled the NGO’s mission to extend access to even the most underserved communities—”Irrespective of socio-economic background or location, every girl deserves to be equipped with 21st-century digital skills.”
Voices of Transformation: Stories from the Graduates
Beyond numbers and speeches, the heart of the SafeHer initiative lies in the stories of the women whose lives it has reshaped.
- Zulaiha Gamandi, the cybersecurity graduate, shared: “Before joining the SafeHer programme, I never imagined I could work in tech. Now, I’m confident I can start a career in cybersecurity and even teach others. This programme has changed my life.”
- Maryam Aliyu, who trained in software development, recounted her first coding victory: “I had no prior knowledge of coding. Today, I’ve built my first web application. The instructors were patient, and the learning environment was supportive. I’m proud to be part of this movement.”
- Hajarah Garba, specialising in data science, emphasised how soft skills empowered her: “Beyond the technical training, the personal branding and communication classes have enhanced my confidence and helped me believe in myself.”
These personal testimonies reflect a deeper shift—from uncertainty, dependence, or self-doubt to confidence, competence, and agency. These women are not just graduates; they are budding innovators, leaders, and role models for the next generation.
A Call to Action: Building an Inclusive Tech Future
As the curtain fell on the graduation ceremony, Lawal reiterated a stirring call to action—urging governments, private sector players, and development partners to invest more boldly in digital skills training for women and girls. The message was clear: Nigeria’s tech ecosystem will only thrive through diversity, innovation, and inclusion.
Echoing this, Aisha Kwaku, founder of ElevateHER Innovation Space and special guest of the event, framed tech-skill empowerment not just as equity, but as opportunity: “Empowering women with tech skills is not just about equity; it’s about building a stronger, more innovative economy. When women are digitally skilled, they create businesses, solve problems, and inspire the next generation.”
These remarks illuminated the broader societal returns of female tech inclusion. When women are equipped to participate fully, they catalyse entrepreneurship, job creation, and inter-generational uplift—reducing vulnerabilities to SGBV and building safer, stronger communities.
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