The She-Levate Tech Bootcamp, led by the Ooni of Ife and Hopes Alive Initiative, aims to upskill 60 girls from underserved Lagos areas in high-demand tech roles.
In parts of Lagos often ignored by Nigeria’s tech boom, 60 young women are embarking on a journey toward the digital economy. No longer just bystanders, they’ll spend the next 16 weeks building apps, analyzing data, and learning to power the country’s tech transformation.
Hosted by Hopes Alive Initiative (HAI) under the leadership of Oba Adeyeye Enitan Ogunwusi, Ojaja II—Ooni of Ife—the She-Levate Bootcamp delivers intensive modules in UI/UX design, Python/Django backend development, data analytics, frontend development, WordPress, and digital marketing.
Supported by funding from the French Embassy and training by Edunity.ng, the program bridges technical skills with career readiness. Participants will build capstone portfolios, gain mentorship, and prepare for real-world interviews—bringing a practical edge often missing in similar offerings.
What’s in It for Startups?
This bootcamp represents a pipeline of entry-level tech talent for local startups grappling with a severe skills shortage. Candidates armed with portfolios and digital marketing chops can plug into teams immediately, reducing recruitment costs and supporting diverse hires.
By targeting communities such as Makoko, Mushin, and Ilaje, She-Levate also pushes against the Lagos-centric tech narrative, inviting startups to tap into fresh perspectives often overlooked in traditional talent hubs.
Oba Adeyeye Enitan Ogunwusi (born October 17, 1974) ascended as the 51st Ooni of Ife in December 2015. A chartered accountant and entrepreneur, he is recognized for spearheading cultural, educational, and community development projects across Nigeria.
At She-Levate’s launch, his wife and deputy convener, Queen Temitope Ogunwusi, said: “These girls are not just numbers… they are 60 dreams, 60 futures we are reshaping with digital tools,” referencing a vision grounded in socio-economic upliftment.
MILESTONES TO WATCH
- Training Period: 1 July – 30 October 2025, spanning 80 in-person sessions
- Capstone Projects: all participants must complete real-world digital assignments
- Job Fair: end-of-program recruitment event with startups and employers
- Alumni Network & Co-working: established post-graduation to support continuous learning
- Expansion: HAI aims to replicate the model nationally, with early activity reported in Bauchi
Nigeria’s tech scene remains heavily male-dominated, even as demand for skilled female developers increases. By deploying targeted training into overlooked communities, She-Levate promotes broader inclusion and aligns with national priorities on youth unemployment, gender equality, and economic diversification.
Furthermore, the program offers a scalable blueprint for other stakeholders—government, investors, and corporates—to democratize access to tech pathways beyond Lagos-centered networks.
To startup founders seeking committed junior developers with real-world project experience—and to social investors seeking scalable impact—She-Levate offers both. These 60 young women are not just trainees—they’re an opportunity. Are you ready to hire them?
