We’re empowering girls for market-ready tech solutions – FG

The federal government has reaffirmed its commitment to empowering girls and young people in technology through targeted policies, digital skills programmes and investments in ICT infrastructure across the country.

Minister of Communications, Innovation and Digital Economy, Bosun Tijani, said the government is creating opportunities for young innovators, particularly girls, to develop solutions that can address societal challenges and eventually become marketable products.

Speaking at the grand finale of the National Girls in ICT 2026 Competition in Abuja, Tijani said innovation goes beyond generating ideas, noting that young people must be equipped with the skills, mentorship and support needed to transform their ideas into practical solutions.

He commended teachers mentoring students in technology and disclosed that the government has supported schools to establish technology clubs to help young innovators refine and commercialise their projects.

He said Nigeria has produced several successful technology entrepreneurs, including women who have developed impactful solutions in sectors such as healthcare and digital services.

“The future of Nigeria is bright because of these young girls. Programmes like this give us confidence that the next generation of innovators is already emerging,” he said.

Meanwhile, students of the Special Education Centre, Bauchi State, have emerged overall winners of the National Girls in ICT competition organised by the ministry.

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The Bauchi team, which included a deaf student, clinched the top prize with an AI-powered application, Hands That Speak (Sign Care), designed to bridge the communication gap between healthcare workers and deaf patients.

The team, comprising Aisha Mustapha Bala, Rukayya Ahmad and Mary Agwon, represented the North-East and outperformed contestants from the five other geo-political zones at the grand finale held in Abuja.

Speaking during the presentation, the team leader, Aisha Mustapha Bala, said the idea was inspired by the communication challenges deaf patients often encounter when seeking medical care.

Other finalists included Federal Government Girls College, Cross River (South-South), which came second; Resonance Science School, Abia (South-East), third; Sweet Heaven High School, Kano (North-West), fourth; Government Science Secondary School, Abuja (North-Central), fifth; and Kidvarc High School, Osun (South-West), sixth.

The six finalist teams received cash prizes of N1 million each during a dinner hosted by the First Lady, Senator Oluremi Tinubu, at the Presidential Villa, Abuja.

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