The Minister of Communications, Innovation and Digital Economy, Dr Bosun Tijani, has said that girls can drive innovation and play a central role in solving Nigeria’s national challenges through technology. He made the statement on Friday in Abuja at the grand finale of the National Girls in ICT 2026 Competition themed “Code, Create and Inspire.” The minister stressed that girls can drive innovation when given the right support, mentorship, and access to learning opportunities.
The competition brought together female students from across Nigeria’s six geopolitical zones to present technology-based solutions to real-life societal problems. The event was supported by the Korea International Cooperation Agency (KOICA), the National Information Technology Development Agency (NITDA), and the Nigerian Postal Service (NIPOST).
The initiative is part of efforts to strengthen digital inclusion and encourage more girls to pursue careers in science, technology, engineering, and mathematics. It also aims to build a pipeline of young innovators capable of contributing to Nigeria’s growing digital economy. Officials said the programme is supported by school-based technology clubs designed to sustain students’ interest in innovation after competitions and training sessions.
Speaking at the event, Tijani highlighted the importance of teachers in nurturing innovation among students.
“It is a daunting task for a secondary school student to build a technology product without adult support,” he said.
“We must commend the teachers behind these children who are exposing them to new technologies and helping them develop their ideas.”
He explained that the ministry has introduced technology clubs in schools to provide continued mentorship for students engaged in innovation activities. According to him, structured support systems are essential to ensure that young innovators are able to develop their ideas into functional solutions, reinforcing the message that girls can drive innovation when properly guided.
The minister also congratulated participating teams and recognised outstanding performances from across the country, including Team Divas from Cross River, Elite from Osun, Tech Experts from the Federal Capital Territory, Resonance from Abia, and Farm Shield 360 from Kano State.
The Country Director of KOICA, Mr Kim Eunsub, said the organisation remains committed to supporting Nigeria through partnerships focused on education, innovation, and sustainable development. He noted that international collaboration is essential for building inclusive digital economies and empowering young people to take leadership roles in innovation spaces.
Earlier, the Director of Information and Communication Technology at the ministry, Folashade Olojede, encouraged the participants to embrace technology and innovation as tools for national development. She described the competition as evidence that Nigerian girls are increasingly prepared to take active roles in the global digital economy.
A major highlight of the event was an innovation presented by Aisha Bala of the Special Education Centre, Bauchi, who led a team that developed a mobile application called “Hands That Speak.”
The application is designed to bridge communication gaps between deaf patients and healthcare providers, reducing delays in diagnosis and treatment. Bala explained that the idea was inspired by communication challenges faced by deaf individuals in hospitals, which can sometimes lead to preventable health complications.
At the end of the competition, the Special Education Centre, Bauchi (North-East Zone) emerged overall winner. Federal Government Girls’ College, Calabar (South-South Zone) came second, while Resonance Science School, Abia (South-East Zone) placed third.
The emphasis that girls can drive innovation reflects growing national efforts to expand female participation in science and technology fields. Stakeholders say sustained investment in education, mentorship, and digital infrastructure will be key to strengthening Nigeria’s innovation ecosystem.
