No fewer than 20 young women have been selected to participate in a fully funded nine-month intensive training in Artificial Intelligence (AI) Engineering under the second cohort of the ‘Women in AI Fellowship,’ an initiative of Webfala Digital Skills for All Initiative (WDSFAI).
WDSFAI is a non-profit organisation that focuses on expanding access to STEM education and digital literacy, and designs the fellowship to equip young women with AI knowledge and skills and position them for opportunities in Nigeria’s rapidly evolving digital economy.
According to the Executive Director of WDSFAI, Nafisat Bakare, the selected fellows would, starting from Tuesday, 7 April 2026, undergo comprehensive training covering core areas such as Artificial Intelligence, Machine Learning, Python programming, Mathematics for AI, Data Science, and the application of these concepts to solve real-world challenges.
She said: “Beyond technical training, the programme will also equip the fellows with soft skills, including communication, collaboration, and problem-solving, while also receiving mentorship and guidance from industry professionals.”
Speaking at the orientation programme held for the fellows in Ilorin, the Kwara state capital, the Executive Director of WDSFAI disclosed that the Women in AI Fellowship was launched in 2025 to raise female AI engineers, innovators, and problem-solvers capable of competing globally.
She added that the initiative was part of her organisation’s commitment to address the persistent gender gap in Nigeria’s tech ecosystem, which she said was heavily male-dominated.
“This Women in AI Fellowship, which is now in its second cohort, is very dear to our hearts and something we are proud of. Last year, we started this journey with our first set of fellows, many of whom had little or no background in tech,” she said.
Bakare noted that the impact of the first cohort was already evident, as several beneficiaries have transitioned into the workforce, contributing to projects and building careers in technology.
“Today, I’m happy to say that some of our past fellows are already working for brands, applying their skills in real-world roles. In fact, one of them is now among our trainers for this second cohort.
“That’s the power of commitment and the right support system. We are not just teaching skills; we are building capacity, creating opportunities, and helping people move from learning to earning,” she noted.
She further disclosed that the selection process for the second cohort was highly competitive, with 444 applications received from across the country. Out of this number, 124 candidates were shortlisted and interviewed, while only 20 participants eventually made the final list.
While congratulating the successful applicants, Bakare urged them to remain focused and resilient throughout the programme, saying that “the journey will not be easy, but it will be worth it.”
Also speaking, the Programme Manager at WDSFAI, Beulah Ladanu, encouraged the fellows to take full advantage of the opportunity by embracing learning, leveraging available resources, and striving for excellence.
She emphasised that increasing women’s participation in AI is critical to driving innovation, reducing bias in emerging technologies, and expanding economic opportunities.
“Women’s inclusion and leadership in artificial intelligence will not only foster creativity and innovation but also ensure that technology reflects diverse perspectives and serves broader societal needs,” Ladanu said.
Some fellows from the first cohort, who attended the orientation programme, also shared their experiences, urging the new fellows to remain committed, resilient, and collaborative throughout the programme.
They highlighted the importance of consistency and peer support in navigating the rigorous training, noting that the fellowship offers a unique platform for growth and career advancement.
