In April 2025, at the iconic Yudala Heights residence in Victoria Island, Lagos, 400 young Nigerian women walked across the stage to receive certificates, marking the successful culmination of TD Africa’s TecHERdemy programme. This celebration was more than a graduation; it was the opening of the door to a future in technology for an eager group traditionally underrepresented in the space.
Structured over six intense months, the programme offered hands‑on training in Cybersecurity, Data Science, Artificial Intelligence, and Software Development—skills now essential in the global digital economy. Each graduate stands ready to infuse their communities with new value, leadership, and innovation.
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TD Africa’s Leadership in Action
Inaugurated in November 2024, TecHERdemy is a flagship initiative by TD Africa aimed squarely at closing the gender gap in Nigeria’s tech workforce. The vision? To empower young women with world‑class digital skills and launchpads into careers once considered out of reach.
At the graduation ceremony, TD Africa’s CEO, Chioma Ekeh, delivered a stirring keynote. She called on the newly minted graduates to lead with integrity and innovation:
“Let your values guide your work, let innovation fuel your dreams, and let your impact speak louder than your résumé.”
Dr. Leo Stan Ekeh, Chairman of Zinox Group, was also in attendance. He hailed the graduates as “pioneers of a new, inclusive era of tech leadership on the continent.”
From Trainee to Tech Pro: A Graduate’s Perspective
Among the graduates, one participant—Yetunde Kayode, newly credentialed in Data Science—summed it up succinctly:
“This programme changed my life. I’m walking away empowered, skilled, and deeply grateful.”
Stories like Yetunde’s reflect the transformational power of tailored training, mentorship, and exposure to real‑world tech challenges. Fifteen standout participants were duly honoured for exceptional performance, leadership, and perseverance.
Training for Tomorrow: A Deep Dive Into the Programme
The curriculum was rigorous yet empowering. Over half a year, graduates rotated through core tracks:
- Cybersecurity: threat detection, risk management, and defensive strategy
- Data Science & AI: data processing, machine learning algorithms, and predictive modelling
- Software Development: full‑stack fundamentals, modern frameworks, and deployment workflows
The blend of theory, projects, collaboration, and mentorship prepared graduates not only to code but to innovate and adapt. While key press coverage didn’t specify every module, graduates confirmed the depth and practical orientation of the learning structure.
The Ripple Effects: Empowerment Beyond the Classroom
TecHERdemy isn’t an isolated event—it’s part of a broader ecosystem. Over 10,000 Nigerian women have been reached through related digital‑empowerment initiatives such as Edo Girls Can Code, STEM HER, and others under the umbrella of Tedprime Hub and similar ventures.
Adetutu Badmus, one of the programme’s participants, shared her excitement on LinkedIn:
“I’ll be diving deep into Data Science, machine learning, and AI… this journey goes beyond personal growth; it’s about creating a ripple effect to uplift our communities.”
Her words echo the intent behind TecHERdemy: this isn’t just workforce development—it’s nation‑building.
Key Figures on Stage
Several industry leaders amplified the significance of the event:
- Dr. Leo Stan Ekeh (Zinox Group): Celebrated the graduates and underscored their role in shaping Africa’s digital future.
- Chioma Ekeh (CEO, TD Africa): Issued a call to action to graduates to lead with purpose and excellence.
Their presence symbolizes how the private sector can take meaningful steps in bridging the digital divide and elevating women in tech.
Why “Breaking Into Tech” Matters
In a tech industry often dominated by men, stories like this disrupt expectations. Nigeria—and Africa—boast enormous youth potential, yet participation remains uneven. TecHERdemy demonstrates a replicable model:
- Intentional Design: Prioritise inclusion from day one.
- Holistic Training: Merge technical learning with professional skills.
- Mentorship & Networks: Connect participants with experienced operators.
- Public Recognition: Elevate graduates with ceremonies and media attention.
Programs like this can shift narratives and build visible pipelines for aspiring women technologists across the continent.
Challenges and The Road Ahead
Though the graduation was a triumph, challenges linger. Only a few high performers get spotlighted, but sustaining momentum is key:
- Continuously track graduate placement in jobs or internships.
- Expand mentorship programs and industry partnerships.
- Offer post-course resourcing—e.g., startup incubators, hackathons, and product showcases.
- Build alumni networks to nurture peer learning and collaboration.
Scaling TecHERdemy—and similar initiatives—to reach thousands more women remains the next big step.
What’s Next for TecHERdemy?
TD Africa and partner stakeholders are expected to iterate and expand on this maiden effort. The graduation offers a fertile blueprint for growth:
- Launch new cohorts in other Nigerian cities or regional hubs.
- Add advanced modules in emerging tech areas (e.g. blockchain, advanced AI, IoT).
- Forge employer partnerships to guarantee job interviews or placements.
- Deepen support via remote training infrastructures, especially in underserved areas.
With such momentum, the model could soon extend beyond Nigeria, becoming a pan‑African blueprint.
Conclusion
The graduation of 400 young women from TD Africa’s TecHERdemy isn’t just a ceremonial milestone—it’s a beacon of possibility. The programme offers technical competence, confidence, and community. Each graduate today carries the torch of an inclusive tech ecosystem tomorrow.
As more TecHERdemy cohorts light the future, this story becomes not just one person’s journey—it becomes a movement. And in that movement, we see the true meaning of “Breaking into Tech.”
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