- Eight-week Fundamentals of Software Testing programme attracts 590 applications, records 95 graded participants and creates a pathway to industry experience through a five-week internship with GoAssurify Limited
Financial Services Innovators (FSI), with sponsorship from the Nigerian Communications Commission (NCC), has successfully concluded its eight-week Fundamentals of Software Testing Training Programme for Female University Students in Northern Nigeria, equipping young women with practical digital skills and creating pathways to industry experience for outstanding participants.
The programme ran from 8 August to 26 September 2026 and reached female students across Kano, Nasarawa, Bauchi, Sokoto and Katsina States. It attracted 590 applications, reflecting significant interest in technology skills development among young women in the region.
After the selection process, 115 female students were admitted; 95 participated, submitted programme deliverables, and received final grades.
A major outcome of the programme was the selection of 15 outstanding participants for a five-week internship with GoAssurify Limited starting in November 2026. The internship will provide an opportunity for the awardees to build on their training and gain further exposure to professional software testing practices.
From Training to Industry Experience
The programme was designed to equip female tertiary institution students with foundational and practical software testing competencies relevant to the technology industry.
Over eight weeks, participants received training in software testing principles, software development life cycle models, test case design, defect management, web application testing and API testing. The curriculum incorporated practical assignments and collaborative projects involving web and API testing simulations, with exposure to industry tools such as Jira and Postman.
The initial six-week curriculum was extended by two weeks to allow additional time for hands-on assignments and provide support to students experiencing connectivity challenges and other learning barriers.
Participants were assessed using a 200-point grading framework covering practical projects, assignments, participation, group work and attendance. The assessment process identified 15 internship awardees and six students who achieved scores of 70% and above.
The transition to a five-week internship with GoAssurify Ltd. represents an important step in connecting technical training with professional exposure, helping participants deepen their understanding of how software testing skills are applied in the workplace.
Meet the 15 Internship Awardees
Following the programme’s assessment process, the following 15 participants were selected for the five-week internship with GoAssurify Limited commencing in November 2026:
- Khadija Umar Danhassan
- Comfort Ali Adamu
- Hauwa Muhammed Alhassan
- Laila Usman
- Hamidat Olaoti
- Badmus Oluwatosin
- Maryam Bulama Laminu
- Aminu Sahiba Agbo
- Isma’il Fadila Adam
- Rasheedat Abdulazeez
- Maryam Balarabe Adamu
- Ada Blessing Emmanuel
- Bilkisu Muhammad Ahmad
- Abdullahi Aisha Adamu
- Maryjane Adebayo
FSI congratulates all 15 awardees on their achievement and commends their commitment to developing their technical capabilities. Their selection underscores the importance of identifying promising talent and providing young women with opportunities to progress from structured training to practical industry experience.
Khadija Umar Danhassan Emerges as Overall Best Performer
Special recognition goes to Khadija Umar Danhassan, a Computer Science student at the National Open University of Nigeria who resides in Kano State, who emerged as the programme’s overall best performer with an impressive score of 93.5%.
Her achievement highlights the potential of young women to excel in technology when they have access to relevant training, practical learning opportunities and support to develop industry-ready skills.
Khadija’s performance is a notable example of the talent that targeted digital skills programmes can identify and nurture among female students in Northern Nigeria.
FSI Executive Director: Closing the Gender Gap Requires Skills, Mentorship and Opportunity
Commenting on the successful completion of the programme, Dr Aituaz Kola-Oladejo, Executive Director of Financial Services Innovators (FSI), said:
“At FSI, we believe that bridging the gender gap in technology requires more than encouraging young women to consider careers in tech. It requires giving them access to relevant skills, practical learning opportunities, industry mentors and clear pathways into the workplace.
“The response to this programme, with 590 applications from across Northern Nigeria, demonstrates the interest among young women in participating in the digital economy. We are particularly encouraged that 95 students completed the programme requirements and that 15 outstanding participants will progress to a five-week internship with GoAssurify Ltd. in November.
“With the support of the Nigerian Communications Commission, we are helping to turn that interest into practical capability and opportunity. Through our SmartGirls Initiative Africa, we want more young women to see themselves not just as users of technology, but as the professionals who test, develop, secure and build the digital solutions shaping our future.
“Our ambition is to expand these opportunities across Nigeria and Africa, ensuring that more young women can access the skills, mentorship and industry connections needed to participate meaningfully in the digital economy.”
SmartGirls Initiative Africa: Four Technology Tracks for Young Women
The Fundamentals of Software Testing programme is part of FSI’s SmartGirls Initiative Africa, designed to bridge the gender gap in technology in Nigeria and across Africa by honing young women’s skills and connecting them with industry professionals.
SmartGirls is structured around four technology tracks:
- Artificial Intelligence (AI): Introducing young women to emerging AI technologies and their practical applications.
- Software Testing: Building competencies in software quality assurance, test design, defect identification and testing practices.
- Software Development: Developing the technical foundations needed to design, build and improve digital products and applications.
- Cybersecurity: Developing skills and awareness relevant to protecting digital systems, applications and information.
Beyond technical training, the initiative aims to connect students with industry mentors who can offer insight into workplace expectations, professional standards, career pathways and the practical competencies needed to succeed in technology roles.
By combining technical skills development with mentorship and opportunities for practical experience, SmartGirls aims to help young women make informed career decisions and prepare for the realities of working in the technology sector.
Making Technology More Accessible Across Academic Disciplines
The programme demonstrated that technology skills are relevant to students from diverse academic backgrounds. In addition to students studying computer science, software engineering, information technology and related disciplines, participants came from fields including nursing, the biological and chemical sciences, mass communication, accounting, business administration, engineering, law and education.
This diversity reinforces the message that women from different educational backgrounds can begin developing valuable technology competencies and explore opportunities in the digital economy.
Female peer volunteers also contributed to the programme by supporting their colleagues, fostering collaboration, and helping sustain engagement throughout the training. Their contributions highlighted the value of peer learning and community support in strengthening women’s participation in technology.
The programme also identified challenges, including unreliable internet connectivity, power supply interruptions and limited access to suitable devices. These lessons will inform future efforts to improve accessibility and expand participation in subsequent cohorts.
Building a Stronger Pipeline of Female Technology Talent
The successful conclusion of the programme represents a measurable step towards expanding the pipeline of female technology talent in Northern Nigeria.
Through the NCC-sponsored initiative, FSI has helped identify promising young women, assess their practical capabilities and create a pathway to further professional development through the forthcoming internship phase.
FSI will continue advancing the SmartGirls Initiative Africa, working to broaden access to industry-relevant skills, professional mentorship, and practical learning opportunities across its four technology tracks.
FSI appreciates the Nigerian Communications Commission for sponsoring the programme, GoAssurify Limited for hosting the internship, the participating tertiary institutions, programme facilitators and peer volunteers, and all the students who committed to learning and developing their skills.
About Financial Services Innovators (FSI)
Financial Services Innovators (FSI) is committed to strengthening innovation, developing digital capabilities and expanding opportunities for participation across the technology and financial services ecosystem. Through its initiatives, FSI supports skills development, employability and inclusion, helping young people build the capabilities and industry connections needed to participate in the digital economy.
About SmartGirls Initiative Africa
SmartGirls Initiative Africa is an FSI initiative focused on bridging the gender gap in technology by equipping young women with relevant skills across Artificial Intelligence, Software Testing, Software Development and Cybersecurity.
The initiative also aims to connect participants with industry mentors and practical learning opportunities to deepen their understanding of professional expectations and prepare them for careers in technology.
