By Danjuma Amodu | February 6, 2026
Kogi State Polytechnic has reaffirmed its commitment to promoting a drug-free academic environment and empowering female students with digital skills. This pledge was made during two separate events held at the polytechnic, including a public lecture on ethical student leadership and a launch of the NIWIIT Campus Tech Queens Initiative.
This information was disclosed in a press statement by James Amos Onimisi, Kogi State Polytechnic’s Public Relations Officer.
The Rector, Professor Sanusi Salihu Avidime, stressed the importance of nurturing responsible student leaders and addressing drug abuse, warning that it erodes ambition and damages health. He commended the Students Wing of the Coalition of Northern Groups for organizing the lecture, highlighting its timeliness in promoting awareness and collaborative action.
The NIWIIT Campus Tech Queens Initiative aims to bridge the gender gap in technology, promoting inclusion, professional development, and technological advancement for women and girls in IT.
The programme will identify, train, mentor, and showcase female tech talents across Nigerian campuses through six stages, including campus sensitisation, registration, capacity building, and mentorship.
“The digital economy needs your voice, your creativity, and your brilliance,” NIWIIT President Dr. Oluwakemi Ayodele told female students.
The Commissioner for Innovation, Science and Technology, Dr. Helen Aderibigbe, pledged her ministry’s support, encouraging female students to explore their potential and contribute to Nigeria’s tech growth.
“I don’t just offer words; I offer you a partnership. My ministry is committed to supporting this initiative, expanding broadband access, and driving technological advancement for the benefit of our youth and the state,” Aderibigbe said.
The Commissioner for Education, Hon. Wemi Jones, reaffirmed the government’s commitment to promoting initiatives that support girl-child education and empowerment.
The Chairman of the Nigeria Computer Society, Kogi chapter, Mr. Godwin Sani, described the initiative as “timely, strategic, and visionary,” providing female students with structured pathways to grow, compete, collaborate, and lead in technology.
Female participants praised the programme, saying it would help them acquire valuable digital skills and pursue careers in technology. Rachel Ojo from Federal University Lokoja said,
“This initiative will help many young women acquire valuable digital skills.”
Similarly, Damilola Akere from Kogi State Polytechnic added, “It encouraged us to be bold and confident in pursuing careers in technology.”
