By Prince Osuagwu

Using technology to improve knowledge and education in Nigeria has been a major priority of every administration. But the challenges that hinder its growth and effectiveness are enormous. From inadequate infrastructure, unreliable power supply to digital literacy gaps, Nigeria struggles to develop a robust EdTech system.

Meanwhile, both government and private sector appear to be putting insufficient funding that can drive the growth of EdTech initiatives.

However, the most unfortunate setback to the wheel of progress in the Edtech project is the dearth of qualified teachers to execute the project. Industry statistics show that only 40% of Nigerian educators feel confident with digital tools, and just 25% have formal training. With this, attaining an enduring digital education becomes a huge challenge.

However, this gap is what a nongovernmental organisation, Women and Career is planning to plug with the introduction of Women and Career EdTech Fellowship Programme, 2025.

The initiative is touted as a transformative initiative aimed at equipping Ed-tech startups with the skills, tools, and networks to drive innovation in the education technology space.

The Fellowship recently launched in Lagos, brought together industry leaders, policymakers, educators, and aspiring EdTech entrepreneurs.

The Women and Career EdTech Fellowship Programme is designed to accelerate the participation of Startups in EdTech by providing a structured 12-week curriculum that covers entrepreneurship, product development, business growth, mentorship, and capacity building. Participants will also gain access to funding opportunities, expert-led sessions, and hands-on projects.

Delivering a keynote speech on “The EdTech Revolution in Nigeria”, Managing Partner, Co-Creation Hub, Nissi Madu, identified the urgent need for inclusive technological innovation in the educational sector. She said that the importance of education in the life of every Nigerian cannot be overemphasised, laying credence to why a society that has solved its education problem finds it easy to address every other problem no matter how big such problems can be.

Corroborating her, Chinyelu Akpa, the education practice Lead of co creation Hub also noted that the Fellowship was important because of the innovative methods of using technology in education that it can engender.

She said the fellowship will be a great success if it will solve the foundational issues facing education in Nigeria, with particular focus in creating viable solutions to create sustainable impact in education.

For the Programme Director of Women and Career, Mr Emeka Amadi, “This fellowship is not just a programme; it’s a call to action to empower Edtechs with the tools to solve real problems in education through innovation.

 “We believe that EdTechs must be active contributors to the future of education and technology”.

Unveiling the key features of the Fellowship, Amadi said they include: Weekly intensive workshops and learning modules; access to seasoned mentors and industry facilitators; capacity-building sessions on leadership, innovation, and business strategy; funding and partnership opportunities for promising ideas and a final Demo Day for fellows to pitch their innovations to investors and stakeholders.