You’re in your second or third year at university.
You’re not studying anything remotely techy—maybe it’s English, Sociology, or Mass Comm.
But deep down, you’re curious about this thing called tech.
You’ve seen stories of women who started from nothing and are now building apps, speaking at global events, or leading product teams.
And you’re thinking: “How do I start when I don’t even know where to start?”

Hasanna, if you’re reading this, this article is for you.

First Things First: Mentorship Isn’t a Luxury — It’s a Launchpad

A lot of us grew up thinking mentorship is for “special” people. You know, those with connections, or lucky girls who just happened to be at the right event at the right time. But let’s be honest — in Nigeria, especially as a woman, tech can feel like a closed door. Mentorship? That’s the key that opens it.

Why Mentorship Really Matters (Especially for Non-Tech Backgrounds)

When you're not coming from a tech-related background, it’s easy to feel like an outsider.
Mentors help you:

✅ See what’s possible (before you talk yourself out of it)
✅ Avoid mistakes they made (no need to suffer twice)
✅ Connect with real people and real opportunities
✅ Stay motivated when your pocket—or your confidence—is low

Think of a mentor like a Maps for your tech journey: they may not take every step with you, but they show you where the road is.

🌱 So, Hasanna, Where Do You Find Mentors Without Having “Connections”?

This part is key—and it’s practical.

1. Start Showing Up Where Mentors Are

You don’t need to know people—you just need to be visible in the right spaces. Here’s how:

• Join Nigerian tech communities on WhatsApp, Slack, and Discord.
  👉 Try: She Code Africa, and even Abuja Tech Community.

• Attend free virtual tech events, webinars, or Twitter Spaces.
  Search: “Women in tech Nigeria events” or “Tech webinars June 2025”

• Be active. Comment. Ask questions. DM respectfully.
  People notice consistency, not perfection.

2. Reach Out to Peer Mentors First

You don’t have to start with “Tech Queen” who has 50K followers on LinkedIn.
Find someone 1-2 years ahead of you and say:

“Hi Peace, I’m trying to get into tech from a non-tech background. I admire your journey. Would you be open to sharing some tips or even letting me learn from you in some way?”

Keep it short. Genuine. No pressure. People will say yes more than you think.

3. Join Free Mentorship Programs for Women in Tech

Here are real mentorship programs that have helped people like you:

👉 These programs don’t just teach — they assign you mentors. For free.

✍️ What to Do in the Next 12 Months (Yemi, Read This Twice)

Let’s break it down like this:

📅 Month 1–3: Explore

• Choose one tech field to try (design, coding, product, data—pick one)

• Join 3 online communities and attend 3 free events

• DM or email at least 2 potential mentors

📅 Month 4–6: Learn + Practice

• Use free platforms (e.g., Coursera, YouTube, freeCodeCamp)

• Volunteer for small tasks in your church or school (design flyers, help with surveys, etc.)

• Share what you’re learning on LinkedIn or Twitter—yes, even if it’s basic!

📅 Month 7–9: Apply + Collaborate

• Apply for free mentorship programs

• Join a small tech project or community challenge

• Ask your mentor for a project idea or shadowing opportunity

📅 Month 10–12: Give Back

• Start a “tech diary” blog or Instagram page for other newbies

• Teach one girl what you’ve learned

• Plan how you will mentor someone next year

Because the goal is not just to get mentored—but to become a mentor.

🌍 Final Words to Hasanna (and every young woman dreaming of tech)

You don’t need a tech degree.
You don’t need a fat bank account.
You don’t need “Aunty in Abuja” to link you up.

What you do need is:

💡 Curiosity
💪 Consistency
💬 Community
🙋🏽‍♀️ Courage to ask

Hasanna, tech is not just for “those girls who studied computer science.”
It’s for you. It’s for girls from Zaria, Makurdi, Okene, Owerri, Ilorin, Katsina and every corner of Nigeria.

And one day, a girl will walk up to you and say,
“Thank you for mentoring me.”
That’s the impact we’re building for.

👣 Ready to take your next step?

✅ Join one of the communities listed above
✅ DM a mentor today (don’t overthink it!)
✅ Share this blog with another Yemi you know