By Torkuma Gbor
Cross River State has recorded a major achievement in digital innovation and education, emerging as one of the top performing states at the Third National Girls in ICT Competition 2026, with students of the Federal Government Girls’ College (FGGC), Cross River, securing second place among more than 3,700 participants nationwide.
The national competition, organised by the Federal Ministry of Communications, Innovation and Digital Economy, was held at the State House Conference Centre in Abuja and featured innovative projects developed by young female technology enthusiasts from across the country.
At the end of the contest, the Special Education Centre, Bauchi, emerged overall winner, while FGGC Cross River claimed the runner up position. Resonance Science School, Abia State, finished third.
Reacting to the accomplishment, Cross River State Governor, Senator Bassey Otu, described the feat as a strong validation of the state’s investment in education, innovation and digital skills development.
According to the governor, the success of the students reflects the abundance of talent within the state and demonstrates the capacity of Cross River youths to compete favourably on the national stage.
He noted that emerging among the top three winners in a highly competitive contest involving thousands of participants was a remarkable accomplishment that showcased discipline, creativity, hard work and quality mentorship.
Governor Otu said the achievement aligns with his administration’s commitment to equipping young people with future ready skills in technology and innovation.
He stressed that the global economy is increasingly driven by technology and digital solutions, adding that the students had demonstrated the potential of Cross River to produce innovators and leaders capable of shaping Nigeria’s future.
The governor also commended Nigeria’s First Lady, Oluremi Tinubu, for her address to participants during the award ceremony. Mrs. Tinubu had encouraged the girls to remain curious, confident and courageous while using technology to address societal challenges and improve their communities.
Otu described the message as timely and inspiring, noting that curiosity and bold thinking remain the foundation of innovation and technological breakthroughs.
He further praised the Minister of Communications, Innovation and Digital Economy, Bosun Tijani, for expanding digital opportunities across the country through various technology focused programmes.
The governor agreed with the minister’s position that talent exists in every part of Nigeria, saying the performance of the FGGC Cross River students proves that brilliance is not limited by geography but thrives where opportunities and support are available.
He also welcomed ongoing federal initiatives, including Project BRIDGE, the Universal Service Provision Fund expansion, the Three Million Technical Talent Programme and the National Artificial Intelligence Strategy, describing them as transformative interventions capable of creating opportunities for millions of young Nigerians.
Governor Otu equally commended the Minister of State for Education, Suwaiba Sa’idu Ahmad, for encouraging young girls to move beyond being consumers of technology to becoming creators and innovators.
He said the achievement of FGGC Cross River demonstrates that Nigerian girls are already embracing that challenge and actively shaping the future through innovation.
The governor further welcomed plans to introduce Code Club kits, including Raspberry Pi computers, robotics equipment and teacher training resources in schools across the country, describing the initiative as a strategic investment in developing the next generation of technology leaders.
Reaffirming his administration’s commitment to education, innovation and youth empowerment, Otu congratulated the students, teachers, parents and management of FGGC Cross River for the national recognition.
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 packages aimed at nurturing future technology leaders and innovators.