Nigeria’s National Information Technology Development Agency (NITDA) is considering a strategic partnership with the National Association of Women in Colleges of Education (WICE) to improve digital literacy and entrepreneurship across teacher training institutions nationwide.

The proposed initiative was discussed during a visit by a WICE delegation to NITDA corporate headquarters in Abuja. NITDA Director General Kashifu Inuwa explained that the agency prioritises sustainable long-term programmes over short-term event sponsorship, noting that training packages and digital curricula tailored for Colleges of Education have already been developed.

Addressing the delegates, Inuwa stated that teachers serve as essential drivers of social change whose skills affect wider communities. He raised concerns regarding female underrepresentation in STEM fields, particularly Artificial Intelligence and Data Science, while highlighting existing agency projects such as the IgniteHer Bootcamp for Women Entrepreneurs.

Speaking on behalf of WICE, North-West Zonal Coordinator Zainab Inuwa Adamu formally invited the Director General to serve as Patron for the association’s upcoming National Conference at the Federal College of Education (Technical), Bichi, Kano State. The venue was selected to honour founding member Professor Jamila Shuara, who started her career at the institution.

Adamu outlined a proposal for a nationwide digital empowerment scheme launched at the conference. Established over 30 years ago to support female educators and community welfare, WICE plans to combine its regional network with NITDA resources to deliver targeted IT training for women in higher education.

Inuwa invited WICE members to attend women-focused sessions at the upcoming Digital Nigeria Conference and encouraged students across Colleges of Education to access NITDA startup support initiatives.