Cross River State has achieved a notable milestone in digital education and innovation, as the Federal Government Girls’ College (FGGC), Cross River, secured second place at the third National Girls in ICT Competition 2026, held in Abuja. The event, organized by the Federal Ministry of Communications, Innovation and Digital Economy, attracted over 3,700 participants from across Nigeria, featuring technology-driven projects developed by young female students.
At the conclusion of the competition, the Special Education Centre in Bauchi claimed the overall first position, while FGGC Cross River finished second, ahead of Resonance Science School in Abia State, which placed third.
Governor Sen. Bassey Otu of Cross River State praised the achievement as a strong validation of the state's increasing investments in education, innovation, and digital skills development. He highlighted that the students' success underscores the wealth of talent in Cross River and positions the state as a potential hub for technological innovation and academic 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,” the governor stated.
He noted that securing a top-three position in a competition with thousands of participants nationwide reflects the students' discipline, creativity, hard work, and quality mentorship. Otu emphasized that the competition's focus on digital innovation, problem-solving, and emerging technologies aligns with his administration's commitment to equipping young people with future-ready skills.
“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 the kind of innovators and leaders Nigeria needs for the future,” he added.
Governor Otu also commended Nigeria's First Lady, Sen. Oluremi Tinubu, for her keynote address at the event, where she encouraged participants to remain “curious, confident and courageous” while using technology to address societal challenges and improve communities. He described her message as timely and inspirational, noting that innovation thrives on curiosity and bold thinking.
He further lauded the Minister of Communications, Innovation and Digital Economy, Dr. Bosun Tijani, for championing initiatives that expand digital opportunities across the country. Otu agreed with Tijani's assertion that talent exists in every part of Nigeria and that the digital economy cannot reach its full potential if women and girls are excluded.
“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,” Otu said.
The governor also welcomed key federal initiatives, including 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 programs capable of creating opportunities for millions of Nigerian youths.
He also commended the Minister of State for Education, Professor Suwaiba Sa’idu Ahmad, for challenging young Nigerians to move beyond being consumers of technology and become creators and innovators. Otu expressed support for the planned rollout of Code Club kits, which include Raspberry Pi computers, robotics equipment, and teacher-training resources, to schools nationwide. He said the initiative will help democratize access to technology and encourage interest in coding, robotics, and digital innovation.
The governor reaffirmed his administration's commitment to prioritizing education, innovation, and youth empowerment as key drivers of sustainable development in Cross River State.
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 opportunities designed to nurture the next generation of Nigerian technology innovators.
