In a move to advance gender inclusion in Nigeria’s tech industry, the Lagos State Government, Glovo, and She Code Africa have celebrated the graduation of 100 women from the inaugural Women in Tech Bootcamp, a 12-week intensive program focused on equipping women with the skills and tools to thrive in the digital economy.
Organized by the state’s Ministry of Commerce, Cooperatives, Trade, and Investment alongside the Ministry of Science and Technology, the program culminated in a graduation ceremony in March, aligned with Women’s Month and the global theme, *Accelerate Action*. This theme underscores the urgency of driving gender equity in STEM and fostering diverse innovation.
Participants received in-depth training across Frontend, Backend, and Mobile Development tracks. The program also included soft skills workshops, mentorship, career coaching, and hands-on capstone projects to simulate real-world problem-solving and career readiness. This all-round approach was designed not just to impart technical knowledge, but also to build the confidence needed to navigate the tech ecosystem.
At the event, Glovo Nigeria’s General Manager, Lamide Akinola, reaffirmed the company’s commitment to inclusion, stating: “At Glovo, we believe that innovation thrives on diverse perspectives. This bootcamp is a vital step in a broader journey towards greater gender equity in tech.”
Highlighting the impact of the initiative, top-performing teams showcased capstone projects that addressed real-world challenges including food waste, academic productivity, and financial literacy. The standout project was a Food Waste Management App developed by Group 1—led by Linda Gift Awo and Abisola Odusanwo—which connects restaurants and individuals with surplus food to charities and food banks. Their innovation was praised for its functionality, impact, and collaborative design, earning them top honors.
The team, including Aminat Ismaila, Adebisi Adesanya, Nafisat Akokhia, and Elizabeth Gabriel, expressed pride in the experience. “This bootcamp has been a game-changer,” said Awo and Odusanwo. “We’ve gained not just skills but the confidence to create solutions that matter.”
Group 2, led by Shukurat Akanbi and Melody Anaka, emerged as first runners-up. Akanbi, who was also one of the highest scorers in the program, described the experience as transformative: “I feel more confident, capable, and ready to contribute to the tech ecosystem.”
Echoing the program’s wider mission, Omotola Spence, Glovo’s Expansion Manager, said: “This graduation isn’t just a milestone—it’s a movement. We are confident that these 100 women will become catalysts for change in the digital space.”
Ada Nduka Oyom, Founder of She Code Africa, stressed the importance of continued support beyond the bootcamp. “We are building more than just coders. We are building a community of women who are empowered to lead and innovate in tech,” she said.
With support from Glovo, graduates will continue to benefit from access to mentorship, networking opportunities, and career development pathways through the She Code Africa community.
To mark the occasion and reward excellence, Glovo presented the winning capstone team with cash prizes, tech gadgets, and other gifts—reaffirming its commitment to not just training but also celebrating women who excel in technology.
The Lagos State Government pledged continued support for initiatives that open digital doors for women, noting that this program marks the beginning of deeper collaborations aimed at creating inclusive economic opportunities.
As digital transformation reshapes industries, initiatives like the Women in Tech Bootcamp are laying the groundwork for a future where Nigerian women play leading roles in technology, innovation, and economic growth.
