As 3,700 Girls Participate Nationwide, Government Reaffirms Commitment to Digital Inclusion
The Federal Government has reaffirmed its commitment to empowering young women and promoting gender inclusion in Nigeria’s rapidly evolving digital economy, as winners and participants of the 2026 National Girls in ICT Competition were honoured at a special dinner held at the State House, Presidential Villa, Abuja.
The event, hosted by the Minister of Communications, Innovation and Digital Economy, Dr. Bosun Tijani, brought together some of the country’s brightest young female innovators, educators, government officials, development partners, and stakeholders in the technology ecosystem. The First Lady of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, Senator Oluremi Tinubu, served as the Special Guest of Honour.
The dinner marked the grand finale of a week-long programme designed to showcase the creativity, technological skills, and innovative ideas of young girls from across Nigeria’s 36 states and the Federal Capital Territory (FCT).
Speaking at the event, Dr. Tijani described the competition as one of the Federal Government’s flagship initiatives aimed at expanding opportunities for girls and young women in technology while fostering greater inclusion in Nigeria’s digital transformation journey.
According to him, the 2026 edition of the competition attracted participation from more than 3,700 girls nationwide, with 111 exceptional participants emerging as national winners after a rigorous selection process.
“The ideas, projects, and presentations we witnessed throughout this year’s programme remind us that talent is everywhere in Nigeria. Our collective responsibility is to ensure that opportunity is equally available to everyone, regardless of gender or geographical location,” Tijani said.
He commended the participants for their ingenuity and determination, noting that the competition had once again demonstrated the immense potential of Nigerian girls to become future leaders, innovators, entrepreneurs, and technology professionals.
The Minister also expressed appreciation to the First Lady for taking time to personally engage with the participants and listen to their ideas and aspirations.
According to him, Senator Tinubu’s presence sent a strong and encouraging signal to the young innovators that their ambitions are recognized and valued at the highest levels of government.
“Her engagement with these young women reinforced the message that their voices matter, their dreams are important, and their contributions will play a significant role in shaping Nigeria’s future,” he stated.
Dr. Tijani emphasized that investing in girls represents an investment in stronger communities, a more inclusive economy, and sustainable national development.
He noted that initiatives such as the National Girls in ICT Competition are critical to addressing gender disparities in science, technology, engineering, and mathematics (STEM) fields while preparing more young women to participate meaningfully in the digital economy.
“As we continue building Nigeria’s digital economy, we must ensure that the opportunities it creates are accessible to everyone. There should be no limits to what Nigerian girls can achieve when they are provided with the right tools, support systems, mentorship, and opportunities,” he said.
The Minister further explained that the government’s broader digital transformation agenda is anchored on inclusion, innovation, and access, ensuring that no Nigerian is left behind in the country’s technological advancement.
Beyond celebrating the winners, Dr. Tijani paid tribute to the teachers and mentors who continue to nurture and guide young talents across the country.
He acknowledged their dedication in helping students develop the confidence and skills necessary to excel in technology and innovation.
He also commended members of the project team within the Federal Ministry of Communications, Innovation and Digital Economy for their commitment and coordination in delivering the programme successfully.
“The impact of this initiative would not have been possible without the countless hours of planning, mentorship, coordination, and hard work carried out by the team behind the scenes,” he noted.
Dr. Tijani equally expressed gratitude to development partners and sponsors whose support has helped sustain and expand the competition over the years.
Among those recognized were the Korea International Cooperation Agency (KOICA), the National Information Technology Development Agency (NITDA), the Nigerian Postal Service (NIPOST), and several other organizations that continue to invest in developing Nigeria’s next generation of innovators.
Industry observers have described the National Girls in ICT Competition as an important platform for nurturing digital talent and encouraging greater female participation in technology-driven sectors.
With the global economy increasingly powered by innovation and digital technologies, stakeholders believe that initiatives focused on empowering girls will play a vital role in strengthening Nigeria’s competitiveness and fostering inclusive economic growth.
Addressing the participants, Dr. Tijani encouraged them to remain focused on learning, innovation, and personal development.
He urged them to continue believing in their abilities and to pursue their dreams with confidence, assuring them that their contributions will be essential to shaping the future of Nigeria, Africa, and the wider global technology landscape.
“Nigeria needs your talent, Africa needs your leadership, and the world needs your innovation,” the Minister told the young participants.
The 2026 National Girls in ICT Competition forms part of Nigeria’s efforts to bridge the gender gap in technology and create pathways for more girls to acquire digital skills, develop innovative solutions, and contribute meaningfully to national development in the digital age.