Federal Government Launches 2026 National Girls in ICT Competition Nationwide
The Federal Ministry of Communications, Innovation and Digital Economy has officially announced the opening of applications for the 2026 National Girls in ICT Competition, a significant nationwide initiative designed to empower young girls and address the persistent gender gap in Nigeria's technology sector. This announcement was made through the Ministry's verified social media channels, calling for participation from girls across all states and regions of the country.
Empowering Young Girls Through Structured Training
The competition specifically targets girls aged 10 to 16, corresponding to students from Junior Secondary 1 to Senior Secondary 3. Participants are encouraged to form teams of two to three members to collaboratively develop innovative technology solutions that address real-world challenges in key sectors including Agriculture, Education, and Health. Selected teams will benefit from comprehensive structured training and mentorship programs aimed at building essential digital skills and boosting confidence among young female participants.
A statement from the Ministry emphasized: "Applications are now open for the 2026 National Girls in ICT Competition. This initiative reflects our unwavering commitment to empowering young girls and systematically closing the gender gap in information and communication technology fields across Nigeria."
Exciting Prizes and Practical Opportunities
Participants in the competition stand to win valuable prizes including laptops, tablets, and other technology resources that can further their educational and creative pursuits. Beyond the tangible rewards, the competition offers young girls a unique platform to gain hands-on practical experience in technology, fostering early innovation and enhancing problem-solving capabilities from a formative age.
The Ministry further clarified application requirements, stating: "We eagerly anticipate your innovative ideas! All applicants must ensure that the information provided is accurate and complete, with each submission accompanied by official school approval and written consent from parents or guardians."
Application Process and Nationwide Inclusivity
Applications for the competition are team-based, with each group permitted to submit only one entry. Interested participants can register through the designated application link provided by the Ministry. The Federal Ministry has explicitly encouraged participation from girls in all states, including Abia, Lagos, Kano, Kaduna, the Federal Capital Territory (Abuja), and beyond, highlighting the program's commitment to inclusivity and broad nationwide representation.
Fostering Innovation for Nigeria's Digital Future
The National Girls in ICT Programme represents a strategic effort by President Bola Ahmed Tinubu's administration to cultivate technological literacy among young girls, ensuring that the next generation of Nigerian women is well-equipped to thrive in the rapidly evolving digital economy. By encouraging girls to tackle real-world problems through information and communication technology, the government aims to nurture a generation of innovators who will actively shape Nigeria's future technological landscape.
The Ministry concluded: "Through this competition, we are not just teaching technical skills but fostering a mindset of innovation and leadership among young Nigerian girls. We urge all eligible participants to submit their team applications promptly before the competition deadline to secure their place in Nigeria's growing community of female technology leaders."
