Women and Career, a global organisation dedicated to empowering women and youth, officially launched its transformative EdTech fellowship programme 2025.
The initiative aims to equip EdTech startups with essential skills, tools, and networks to drive innovation and address pressing challenges within Nigeria’s educational sector.
The recent launch, which brought together industry leaders, policymakers, educators, and aspiring EdTech entrepreneurs. Jane Egerton-Idehen, Founder of Women and Career, opened the proceedings by recounting the organization’s journey. What began as a small group of women addressing career challenges has blossomed into a global network of 300 members. She highlighted the expansion of their mission to include aiding girls across Africa and, more recently, supporting African youth.
The Nigerian EdTech Fellowship marks their latest endeavor, following a successful program in Ghana, and aims to mitigate issues in the educational sector through EdTech solutions. Egerton-Idehen expressed confidence that the program, backed by a wide range of professionals, would significantly benefit Nigerian education.
The keynote address, “The EdTech Revolution in Nigeria,” was delivered by Nissi Madu, Managing Partner, and Chinyelu Akpa, Education Practice Lead, both from Co-Creation Hub (CC Hub). Nissi Madu emphasized CC Hub’s commitment to translating value into impact by bringing stakeholders together to co-create sustainable solutions that work across diverse economies. She underscored the critical role of education in developing quality talent, stating that “without education, one cannot build on one’s talent.”
Chinyelu Akpa delved into innovative educational methods and ideas, addressing foundational issues in Nigerian education and proposing viable, wholesome solutions for sustainable impact. She called for collaborative efforts among EdTechs to provide valuable intel and data for future generations.
Dr. Chekwube Excellence Ugbede, a lecturer at Covenant University Nigeria, offered insights into the unique difficulties faced by Nigerian startups. She highlighted the peculiarity of Nigeria, necessitating tailored solutions, and acknowledged government efforts while urging for more.
Ugbede stressed the importance of considering regional differences when developing educational solutions, urging EdTechs and startups to ensure their dream must suit its purpose and fulfil its mission to solve a particular need within the Nigerian context.
Mr. Emeka Amadi, Programme Director of Women and Career, introduced the team of facilitators and partners for the 2025 EdTech program. He explained that these experts from various sectors have curated a comprehensive curriculum to upscale and train applicants. The facilitators and mentors include: Jola Ogunniyi (General Manager, Axiom Learning Solutions), Mrs. Bukky Adebonojo (Co-Founder, Axiom Learning Solutions), Mr. Charles Ani Bassey-Eyo (Angel Investor and Chairman of Lani Group), Mr. Adeseye Adeyemo (Co-Founder, Brilloconnetz), Mrs. Aisvarya Adeseye (Co-founder, Brilloconnetz), Mrs. Funmilayo Kunle-Komolafe (Head SME, Axa-Mansard Insurance), Mrs. Chiazam Iwunor (Head Finance Manager, Transcorp Group), and Mrs. Belinda Ujani (Leadership Expert, founder BUL United Kingdom).
Jola Olanniyi, General Manager of Axiom Learning Solutions, discussing the vast opportunities in education and the critical need for impactful solutions given diverse needs. He addressed the slow rise of EdTechs and the lack of viable partnerships, advocating for a value system that fosters co-existence among all stakeholders. Olanniyi lauded Women and Career’s commendable efforts in this regard.
The Women and Career EdTech Fellowship Programme is a structured 12-week curriculum designed to accelerate startup participation in EdTech. It encompasses entrepreneurship, product development, business growth, mentorship, and capacity building. Participants will also gain access to crucial funding opportunities, expert-led sessions, and practical, hands-on projects.
“We believe that EdTechs must be active contributors to the future of education and technology,” stated Emeka Amadi, Programme Director of Women and Career. “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.”
Key features of the Fellowship 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 where fellows will pitch their innovations to investors and stakeholders.