Target Audience: Young Nigerian women aged 18 to 35 residing in Lagos State
Program Duration: February 2026 – July 2027 (18-Month Nationwide Initiative spanning 12 States)
Training Cost: 100% Free
Career Tracks Offered: Cybersecurity, Data & Artificial Intelligence, Software Engineering, and Executive Administrative Assistant with Social Media Expertise
To accelerate female participation in West Africa’s booming digital economy, the Technology for Social Change and Development Initiative (Tech4Dev), with grant support from the Mastercard Foundation, has officially opened applications for the Technology Talent Services (TTS) Nigeria Programme 2026. This fully funded initiative provides tuition-free technical education, soft skills training, and direct career placement pathways for young women aiming to launch sustainable careers in technology.
In-Demand Technical and Tech-Enabled Career Pathways
The 18-month nationwide initiative—running from February 2026 to July 2027 across 12 states—is currently accepting candidates for its Lagos State learning cohort. Designed to bridge the gender gap in tech, the program equips participants with industry-aligned skills across both specialized technical roles and tech-enabled administrative tracks.
Applicants can choose from four distinct learning tracks tailored to high-growth market demand:
Cybersecurity: Master information security fundamentals, threat detection, and network defense strategies to protect digital assets.
Data & Artificial Intelligence: Learn data analytics, machine learning concepts, and business intelligence models to drive automated solutions.
Software Engineering: Build web and mobile applications using modern programming languages and software architecture principles.
Executive Administrative Assistant (with Social Media Expertise): Gain corporate office operations skills alongside digital marketing, content strategy, and social media brand management.
Eligibility Criteria and Inclusive Priority Groups
The TTS program is specifically structured to welcome beginners who may not have previous coding or technical experience. The core objective is building practical workplace confidence, functional competencies, and career readiness from the ground up.
To qualify for the current Lagos application window, candidates must meet the following basic criteria:
Be a female citizen or resident aged between 18 and 35 years.
Currently reside within Lagos State for the duration of the training module.
Demonstrate a strong passion for acquiring technology skills and a willingness to commit to rigorous coursework.
In line with the Mastercard Foundation’s commitment to economic inclusion, the program actively prioritizes applications from young women facing additional social or economic barriers. This includes women living with physical disabilities, internally displaced persons (IDPs), and nursing mothers seeking career re-entry.
How to Apply Online for the Free TTS Training
Interested applicants can apply through a simple online registration process. Because cohort capacity is limited, eligible candidates are advised to complete their applications early.
Fill In Personal Details: Provide your accurate full name, age, contact email, phone number, and residential address in Lagos State.
Select Preferred Career Track: Choose the learning path that best aligns with your long-term career aspirations (Cybersecurity, Data/AI, Software Engineering, or Executive Admin).
Submit & Await Review: Confirm your availability for the training timeline and submit the form. Shortlisted applicants will receive follow-up instructions via email regarding onboarding and orientation.
Through hands-on technical instruction, mentorship, and employer network connections, the partnership between Tech4Dev and the Mastercard Foundation continues to turn digital potential into economic independence for Nigerian women.
