By Frank Ulom
Cross River State has emerged as one of Nigeria’s top-performing states at the Third National Girls in ICT Competition 2026, with the Federal Government Girls’ College (FGGC), Calabar, securing second place among more than 3,700 participants nationwide.
The achievement has attracted applause from Cross River State Governor, Bassey Otu, who described the feat as a strong affirmation of the state’s growing investment in education, innovation and digital excellence.
According to a statement issued by the Chief Press Secretary and Special Adviser to the Governor on Media and Publicity, Linus Obogo, the national competition was organised by the Federal Ministry of Communications, Innovation and Digital Economy and held at the State House Conference Centre.
The competition featured innovative projects developed by young female technologists from across Nigeria. While Special Education Centre emerged overall winner, FGGC Cross River finished second, ahead of Resonance Science School, which placed third.
Governor Otu said the accomplishment represented a significant milestone not only for the students involved but also for Cross River’s ambition of becoming a hub for technological innovation and educational excellence.
“This outstanding achievement by the brilliant students of Federal Government Girls’ College, Cross River, is a moment of immense pride for our state. Their success confirms what we have always known—that Cross River is blessed with exceptionally gifted young minds capable of competing with the very best anywhere in the country,” he said.
The governor noted that finishing among the top three in a highly competitive national contest involving thousands of participants reflected the students’ discipline, creativity, hard work and quality mentorship.
“To emerge among the top three winners in a highly competitive national contest involving over 3,700 participants is no ordinary accomplishment. It reflects discipline, creativity, hard work and the quality of mentorship available to our young people. These girls have become worthy ambassadors of Cross River State and shining examples of what determination can achieve,” he added.
Governor Otu said the competition’s emphasis on digital innovation, problem-solving and emerging technologies aligns with his administration’s commitment to equipping young people with future-ready skills.
“We live in a world increasingly driven by technology and innovation. The future belongs to those who can create solutions, harness digital tools and transform ideas into impact. These young girls have demonstrated that Cross River is producing exactly the kind of innovators and leaders that Nigeria needs for the future,” he stated.
The governor also commended Nigeria’s First Lady, Oluremi Tinubu, for her address to the finalists and participants. During the awards ceremony, she encouraged the girls to remain “curious, confident and courageous” and to use technology to solve societal problems and improve communities.
According to Otu, the First Lady’s message captured the essence of innovation and would inspire more young girls to pursue careers in science, technology and innovation.
“Her Excellency, the First Lady, delivered a profound message to these young innovators. Her call for them to remain curious, confident and courageous captures the very essence of innovation. Every breakthrough begins with curiosity. Every invention begins with a bold idea. Her words will undoubtedly inspire many more young girls to pursue careers in science, technology and innovation,” he said.
The governor further endorsed the First Lady’s position that investments in youth empowerment, digital innovation and human-capital development remain critical to national growth.
“The future of our nation depends on how effectively we nurture the talents of our young people today. When we empower young girls with digital skills, we are investing in stronger families, stronger communities and a stronger economy,” he said.
Governor Otu equally praised the Minister of Communications, Innovation and Digital Economy, Bosun Tijani, for expanding digital opportunities across the country.
During the event, Tijani stressed that talent exists in every part of Nigeria and warned that the country’s digital economy could not realise its full potential if girls and women were excluded.
Responding, Otu said FGGC Cross River’s success validated the minister’s position.
“Dr Bosun Tijani is absolutely right when he says that talent exists across every part of Nigeria. The remarkable performance of these girls from Cross River is proof that brilliance knows no geographical boundaries. What young people need is opportunity, support and an enabling environment,” the governor said.
“His declaration that the future digital economy cannot be built by only half of Nigeria is a powerful reminder that inclusion must remain at the heart of our development efforts. Our daughters deserve equal opportunities to innovate, lead and succeed.”
The governor also welcomed Federal Government initiatives such as Project BRIDGE, the expansion of the Universal Service Provision Fund, the Three Million Technical Talent Programme and the National Artificial Intelligence Strategy, describing them as transformative interventions capable of creating opportunities for millions of young Nigerians.
He further commended the Minister of State for Education, Suwaiba Sa’idu Ahmad, for challenging young girls to move beyond being users of technology and become creators and innovators.
“Professor Suwaiba Ahmad has correctly identified the challenge before us. Our young people must not be content with consuming technology developed elsewhere. They must become inventors, creators and innovators capable of developing solutions to local and global problems,” Otu said.
“The achievement of FGGC Cross River demonstrates that our girls are already answering that call. They are not waiting for the future; they are actively shaping it.”
The governor also welcomed plans to introduce Code Club kits, including Raspberry Pi computers, robotics kits and teacher-training resources, to schools nationwide, describing the initiative as a strategic investment in the next generation of innovators.
“Programmes such as the Code Clubs will help democratise access to technology and inspire thousands of young people to embrace coding, robotics and digital innovation. These are the skills that will define competitiveness in the twenty-first century,” he stated.
Governor Otu reaffirmed his administration’s commitment to prioritising education, innovation and youth empowerment as pillars of sustainable development.
He congratulated the students, teachers, parents and management of FGGC Cross River, saying their success belonged to the entire state and reflected the immense potential of Cross River’s young people.
The Third National Girls in ICT Competition featured projects addressing challenges in agriculture, healthcare, accessibility and education. The six national finalists received cash prizes, high-performance laptops and mentorship packages aimed at nurturing the next generation of Nigerian technology leaders.
