Microsoft launch first LEAP Program cohort in Nigeria

Oct 4, 2019

Ten female developers will participate in the first cohort of the Microsoft LEAP Program in Nigeria. They will recieve sixteen weeks of training in technical support software engineering roles.

LEAP Program Microsoft Nigeria
Microsoft Leap Hackathon in Nigeria

This is part of Microsoft‘s plans to encourage diversity and inclusivity in software engineering roles in Nigeria. Microsoft LEAP has started in Nigeria with the intention of getting more females into technology. Princess Anya, Microsoft Business program Manager, Global talent Innovation in charge of Microsoft Leap Program West Africa, tells me.

The LEAP Engineering Acceleration Program is a Microsoft initiative that tries to increase diversity. Bringing more women into software engineering roles. By providing them with real world experience through development and project management apprenticeships with hands-on projects.

Speaking to me about the program, Princess Anya, shares that the ladies will undergo four weeks of classroom and labs training. After which they will proceed to do twelve weeks of hands-on project sessions. Where they handle projects with guidance from mentors.

At the end of the 16 weeks LEAP apprenticeship program, the ladies will join Microsoft partner Tek Experts as full time employees. Where they will work as support Software Engineers, supporting customers with Microsoft Solutions.

In a prelude to this program, Microsoft hosted thirty female developers in a hackathon event in Lagos.

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