National Girls in ICT: Edo Students Win South-South Competition, Get Invitation to Aso Villa

Three outstanding students from University Preparatory Secondary School (UPSS), Benin City, have put Edo State on the national map after winning the South-South Regional Series of the National Girls in ICT Competition.

The remarkable achievement highlights the growing impact of the National Girls in ICT initiative, a programme designed to equip young girls with digital and technological skills while encouraging greater female participation in Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics (STEM).

The students’ success has been widely celebrated as another milestone for Edo State’s commitment to digital education and innovation.

What is the National Girls in ICT Programme?

The National Girls in ICT Programme is an initiative of the Federal Ministry of Communications, Innovation and Digital Economy aimed at empowering young Nigerian girls with practical digital skills needed to thrive in today’s technology-driven world.

The programme aligns with the global International Girls in ICT Day campaign coordinated by the International Telecommunication Union (ITU), which encourages more girls to explore careers in technology.

Each year, students from different states participate in coding challenges, innovation competitions, technology exhibitions and mentorship sessions that expose them to opportunities in software development, artificial intelligence, cybersecurity, robotics, data science and digital entrepreneurship.

The initiative seeks to reduce the gender gap in Nigeria’s technology sector by inspiring more girls to pursue careers in ICT and other STEM disciplines.

UPSS Students Shine in the South-South Regional Competition

University Preparatory Secondary School (UPSS), Benin City, proudly represented Edo State at the South-South Regional Series of the National Girls in ICT Competition.

Through creativity, teamwork and innovative thinking, three UPSS students emerged winners in the regional competition, outperforming several participating schools from across the South-South geopolitical zone.

Their outstanding performance earned them national recognition and an opportunity to showcase the potential of Edo State’s investment in quality education and digital innovation.

The victory also demonstrated that young girls from Edo State possess the talent and skills required to compete successfully in technology at the highest level.

Students Receive Special Invitation to Aso Villa

Following their impressive victory, the three UPSS students were flown from Edo State to Abuja after receiving a special invitation to Aso Villa.

The visit was in recognition of their exceptional achievement at the South-South Regional Series of the National Girls in ICT Competition and served as an opportunity to celebrate young female innovators making a difference through technology.

Their visit to Nigeria’s seat of power symbolised the Federal Government’s continued commitment to promoting digital inclusion and encouraging more girls to embrace careers in Information and Communication Technology.

For the students, it was a memorable experience that rewarded months of preparation, teamwork and determination.

Why the National Girls in ICT Programme Matters

Technology is rapidly changing every sector of the economy, creating new opportunities for innovation, entrepreneurship and employment.

However, women and girls remain underrepresented in many technology-related careers. The National Girls in ICT initiative seeks to change this by providing girls with early exposure to digital skills and practical learning experiences.

The programme helps participants develop knowledge in areas such as:

• Coding and software development
• Artificial Intelligence (AI)
• Cybersecurity
• Robotics
• Digital literacy
• Innovation and problem-solving
• Entrepreneurship
• Leadership and teamwork

These skills prepare participants for future careers while boosting their confidence to compete in the global digital economy.

Edo State’s Growing Reputation in Technology Education

Edo State has continued to invest in educational reforms and digital transformation, creating opportunities for young people to acquire future-ready skills.

The success of the UPSS students further strengthens the state’s reputation as one of Nigeria’s emerging centres for technology education.

Their achievement reflects the quality of teaching, mentorship and innovation being promoted in schools across the state, proving that investment in ICT education can produce globally competitive students.

Inspiring More Girls to Choose STEM Careers

The success story of the UPSS students serves as an inspiration to thousands of girls across Nigeria.

It shows that determination, access to quality education and the right support can open doors to national recognition and exciting career opportunities.

As more schools embrace digital education and innovation, programmes like the National Girls in ICT initiative will continue to encourage girls to pursue careers in software engineering, artificial intelligence, cybersecurity, robotics, data science, digital entrepreneurship and other emerging technology fields.

Conclusion

The National Girls in ICT Programme is more than just a technology competition. It is a platform that empowers young girls to dream bigger, develop practical digital skills and become future innovators.

For Edo State, the victory of the three University Preparatory Secondary School (UPSS) students in the South-South Regional Series of the National Girls in ICT Competition is a proud moment that demonstrates the state’s growing excellence in technology education.

Their subsequent invitation to Aso Villa stands as recognition of their hard work and a reminder that investing in girls’ education and digital skills is essential for Nigeria’s future.

As technology continues to shape the world, initiatives like the National Girls in ICT Programme will remain crucial in preparing the next generation of female leaders, innovators and problem-solvers who will drive national development.