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Women rights activist, journalist, and filmmaker Kiki Mordi has pledged to fund 100 women to study science and tech-related courses. The Emmy nominee made the announcement on X on August 29, 2024.
The opportunity is open to women interested in learning cloud engineering, cybersecurity, front-end engineering, back-end engineering, and product design, as well as those interested in product management, product marketing, data science, data analytics, and data engineering.
Selected applicants will study these courses at AltSchool Africa, an institution that provides virtual access to global-standard courses for Africans. The courses aim to help individuals build careers in their chosen fields.
“We believe that learning elevates and success spreads. This is why we have strategically designed our programmes and courses to propel our learners toward success in their chosen careers,” reads part of AltSchool Africa’s mission statement on its website.
AltSchool Africa holds International Accreditation from the Accreditation Service for International Schools, Colleges, and Universities. Women interested in studying the announced courses at AltSchool are to send Ms Mordi a direct message on X with their email address and preferred course of study.
While she funds the future diploma holders, Ms Mordi urges them to be committed to their learning and succeed in their studies.
“I’ll support 100 women serious about getting a certification in these fields with
@altschoolafrica,” she said. “Please don’t waste my money oh.”
In 2o23, the Nigerian Bureau of Statistics reported that women comprise only 22 per cent of the total number of people in Engineering, Mathematics, Science, and Technology in the country. Dr Elizabeth Eterigho, President of the Association of Women Engineers of Nigeria, says this has led to a shortage of professionals in Nigeria.
“The underrepresentation of women in science and engineering in Nigeria has contributed to the worsening of the shortage of skilled personnel in these critical fields,” she told Vanguard. “This is a major problem for our country because we need more scientists and engineers to help solve our problems and improve the lives of Nigerians.”
With Ms Mordi’s post on X gaining over 828,000 views and 543 comments within 24 hours, women are already expressing interest in taking advantage of the academic opportunity she offered. One commentator, Abolanle (@mistumistu09) said,
“To think that I signed up for @altschoolsafrica some months back but couldn’t proceed because of the payment, and I even got an email four hours ago about having the skill for free. God is so wonderful, and I came here to see your tweet. God bless you.”
