Financial Services Innovators (FSI), with sponsorship from the Nigerian Communications Commission (NCC), has equipped female university students in Northern Nigeria with digital skills through its eight-week Fundamentals of Software Testing Training Programme, with 15 outstanding participants selected for industry internships.
The programme, which ran from August 8 to September 26, 2026, attracted 590 applications from female students across Kano, Nasarawa, Bauchi, Sokoto and Katsina states. Of the 115 students admitted, 95 completed the programme requirements and received final grades.
The 15 selected participants will commence a five-week internship with GoAssurify Ltd. in November, providing an opportunity to gain practical workplace experience and strengthen their software testing competencies.
Participants received training in software testing principles, test case design, defect management, web application testing and application programming interface (API) testing. They also undertook practical assignments using industry tools, including Jira and Postman.
Khadija Umar Danhassan, a Computer Science student at the National Open University of Nigeria residing in Kano State, emerged as the overall best performer, scoring 93.5 per cent.
Executive Director of FSI, Dr. Aituaz Kola-Oladejo, said bridging the gender gap in technology requires relevant skills training, mentorship and clear pathways into employment.
She noted that the 590 applications demonstrated strong interest among young women in acquiring technology skills, adding that NCC’s sponsorship was helping transform that interest into practical capabilities and career opportunities.
The programme is part of FSI’s SmartGirls Initiative Africa, which promotes female participation in technology through four learning tracks: Artificial Intelligence, Software Testing, Software Development and Cybersecurity.
FSI said lessons from the programme, including challenges relating to internet connectivity, electricity supply and access to suitable devices, would inform future cohorts.
The organisation expressed appreciation to NCC, GoAssurify Ltd., participating institutions, facilitators and peer volunteers for supporting the initiative to expand digital skills development and improve young women’s access to technology careers.
