The NetClan Initiative has achieved another milestone in its quest to promote gender inclusion in technology with the graduation of its second cohort of the Ladies in Network Engineering (LINE) programme, with the majority of participants became Cisco Certified Network Associates (CCNA).
Founded by Abigail Jeffiah and Theodore Chukwudi, the initiative aims to provide opportunities for aspiring network engineers, particularly women, to establish careers in a field often overshadowed by software development and cyber-security.
‘There was no platform where network engineers could motivate each other to upskill,’ Jeffiah explained.
‘We observed more individuals leaving network engineering for other fields, creating a gap, because at the end of the day, every organisation requires a network engineer. That is why we started NetClan-to build that missing community.’
According to Jeffiah, the initiative has steadily grown, with over 30 women sponsored for certification exams since its inception. In the recently concluded cohort, more than 20 participants received full sponsorship, while others were provided vouchers covering up to 50 percent of their exam fees.
‘Seeing another set of students graduate means a lot to me personally,’ she said.
‘This initiative is dear to my heart because, as a female network engineer, I was often the only woman in technical workshops. Now, more women are embracing the field, and we are changing the narrative.’
For Emmanuel Samuel, one of the instructors, the achievement of the cohort reflects the power of mentorship and inclusivity.
‘This milestone is highly significant because it signifies the growing inclusion of women in a field traditionally dominated by men,’ he noted.
‘Seeing a majority of women succeed as CCNA holders demonstrates that, with the right support and opportunities, women can thrive in technology,’ he added.
Graduates of the programme also attested to its impact. Network Security Engineer Odoh Ifunanya JaneFrances described her experience as transformative.
‘I joined because I wanted to understand the underlying operations of networking, especially after failing a job interview,’ she said.
‘Through this program, I gained more than I expected, and it played a key role in helping me land my first job. My advice to aspiring students is that joining NetClan might be one of the best decisions you’ll ever make in your career.’
Other facilitators highlighted the distinct contributions of women in the cohort. Ketcha Karen, a network and network security engineer, praised the collaboration and openness that defined the class.
‘The women demonstrated remarkable teamwork, consistency, and confidence,’ she observed.
‘When women publicly share their achievements, it inspires others to join and assures them they won’t be isolated. That sense of belonging can break barriers in tech.’
Mayaki Ujeh Emmanuel, a network operations engineer, explained that his teaching approach for the second cohort went beyond theory, emphasizing real-world application. ‘Networking is more than configuration and labs. I pushed the ladies to also understand sales, which exposes beginners to different technologies,’ he said.
‘We also gave group projects to build teamwork because, in reality, they will always have to work with others.’
On the value of CCNA, he added: ‘Though it is entry-level, CCNA amplifies knowledge in networking and is highly recognized across the IT industry.’
Mentorship was another key pillar of the programme. Olumayowa Akinkuehinmi, one of the mentors, described it as a fulfilling experience.