No fewer than 120 female undergraduates from three tertiary institutions in Ogun State have been equipped with practical knowledge in Artificial Intelligence (AI) and digital skills under the maiden edition of the SISI in TECH Initiative, organised by the Adeola Azeez Community Care Foundation (AACCF).
The two-day capacity-building programme, themed “Equipping Women for the Future of Work,” was held at the Tech Talent Academy, Ijebu-Ode, in partnership with Data Science Nigeria, Uzemi Empowerment Initiative, and Tech Talent Academy. Participants were drawn from Olabisi Onabanjo University, Ago-Iwoye; Tai Solarin University of Education, Ijagun; and the Ogun State Polytechnic of Health and Allied Sciences, Ilese-Ijebu.
Delivering the keynote address, Mrs. Ola Williams, Chief Growth and AI Officer, Middle East and Africa Growth Market, Microsoft, described the initiative as a timely intervention that would prepare young women for opportunities in the rapidly evolving digital economy. She encouraged the participants to embrace Artificial Intelligence as a tool for innovation and problem-solving, stressing that women must play an active role in shaping inclusive AI solutions.
Founder of the Adeola Azeez Community Care Foundation, Mrs. Adeola Azeez, said the initiative was conceived to bridge the digital skills gap among young women and expose them to emerging opportunities in technology. According to her, while Nigerian youths possess enormous talent, many are limited by inadequate access to quality learning opportunities and exposure to emerging technologies.
She noted that Artificial Intelligence is already transforming sectors such as healthcare, agriculture, education, finance and governance, adding that young women must acquire relevant digital competencies to remain competitive in the future workplace. She said the Foundation remains committed to creating platforms that empower women and prepare them to contribute meaningfully to national development.
The training featured five intensive technical sessions facilitated by experts from Data Science Nigeria, covering AI Foundations and Prompt Engineering, AI for Productivity and Work, AI in Data and Analytics, Career Pathways in Data and AI, as well as Freelancing and Income Opportunities with Artificial Intelligence. Participants also received training in financial literacy from Wema Bank, women’s health and wellbeing, and goal-setting for personal and professional development.
One of the major highlights of the programme was the Capstone Project Challenge, where participants, working in six groups, developed innovative AI-driven solutions to real-life problems before presenting their ideas to a panel of judges. Group One emerged overall winner, receiving a cash prize of ₦200,000, while Group Two and Group Six won ₦150,000 and ₦100,000 respectively.
Some of the beneficiaries described the initiative as life-changing. Grace Precious Egbewale of Tai Solarin University of Education said the programme changed her perception of Artificial Intelligence and inspired her to pursue a career in data analysis, while Aminat Damilola Shehu of Olabisi Onabanjo University said the training boosted her confidence and encouraged her to embrace opportunities in technology.
The event concluded with the presentation of certificates to participants, networking sessions and renewed calls for increased investment in digital skills development for women. Participants also expressed appreciation to the Foundation and its partners for providing free access to high-quality AI training.
The SISI in TECH Initiative is one of AACCF’s flagship empowerment programmes aimed at equipping women and young people with future-ready skills, expanding access to technology education, and promoting inclusive participation in Nigeria’s digital economy.
