Nigeria Launches Political Training for Women Leaders

Women across Nigeria are getting a new pathway into political leadership through a partnership designed to turn ambition into election wins.

TOS Foundation Africa and the Swiss Embassy in Nigeria signed an agreement in Abuja to launch HerCademy Leadership Institute, a hands-on training program for women preparing to run for public office. The signing happened just before Women's History Month in March.

The timing couldn't be more critical. Women currently hold fewer than 5% of seats in Nigeria's National Assembly, and not one of the country's 36 states has a female governor. This places Nigeria among the lowest in Africa for women's political representation, despite women making up nearly half of all registered voters.

The program addresses what founder Osasu Ogwuche calls a crucial gap. Many capable women want to serve but lack access to the strategic tools, practical knowledge, and networks that turn candidates into winners.

HerCademy takes a different approach from typical leadership programs. Instead of focusing on motivation alone, it offers skills-based training on the real challenges of political competition in Nigeria, from navigating campaign finance to building coalitions.

The inaugural cohort will bring together 37 women, one from each state and the Federal Capital Territory. They'll receive intensive training designed specifically for Nigeria's political landscape, developed with input from academics, former candidates, scholars, and current legislators.

The Ripple Effect

Swiss Ambassador Patrick Egloff emphasized how the partnership reflects Switzerland's commitment to democratic governance and gender equality. The collaboration signals growing international recognition that Africa's progress depends on expanding who sits at leadership tables.

The program rests on three core principles: understanding context-specific political realities, prioritizing practical skills over theory, and building an alumni network for ongoing support and collaboration.

TOS Foundation, which leads the coalition behind Nigeria's Reserved Seats for Women Bill, believes legislative reform must work alongside practical readiness. Laws can open doors, but women need the tools to walk through them and stay competitive.

Ogwuche framed the initiative as an investment in democracy itself. When countries deliberately support women's political readiness, they strengthen institutional credibility and make democracies more responsive to all citizens.

The foundation plans to expand HerCademy beyond this first cohort, building a sustainable pipeline of women leaders prepared to compete across the continent.

Nigeria's political landscape may soon look different as these 37 women bring new voices, perspectives, and solutions to the challenges their communities face.