Cross River State Shines at National Girls ICT Competition
Cross River State has distinguished itself as a leading performer at the 3rd National Girls ICT Competition in 2026. The Federal Government Women’s College (FGGC), Cross River, achieved an impressive runner-up position among over 3,700 participants nationwide.
This notable success garnered acclaim from Governor Bassey Otu, who lauded it as a testament to the state’s amplified investment in education, innovation, and digital excellence. The competition, organized by the Federal Ministry of Communications, Innovation and Digital Economy, took place at the State House Conference Center in Abuja, showcasing innovative projects developed by young women engineers across Nigeria.
Bauchi Special Education Center claimed the title of overall winner, while FGGC Cross River took second place, closely followed by Abia Resonant Science School in third. Governor Otu emphasized that this milestone is not just a victory for the participants but also a pivotal moment for Cross River’s objective to establish itself as a hub for innovation and educational achievement.
Reflecting on this accomplishment, Governor Otu remarked that the performance of these students marks a proud chapter for the state. He pointed out, “Winning in the top three at such a competitive national event highlights the discipline, creativity, and rigorous mentoring available to our youth. They exemplify what determination can lead to and are now ambassadors for Cross River.”
The governor aligned the competition’s focus on digital innovation and problem-solving with his administration’s mission to arm the youth with skills for the future. He noted that technological advancement is an essential aspect of modern life, stressing the importance of embracing digital tools to forge impactful solutions. These young innovators have exemplified Cross River’s capability to nurture the next generation of leaders in Nigeria.
Governor Otu also expressed gratitude to Senator Oluremi Tinubu, the First Lady, for her inspiring address to the finalists. Her message urged participants to remain “curious, confident, and courageous” while using technology to address societal issues and elevate their communities. The governor found her words both timely and motivating, underscoring their potential to inspire future generations of girls to pursue careers in STEM fields.
In addition to honoring the young achievers, Governor Otu recognized the vital contributions of various stakeholders, including Dr. Bosun Tijani, the Minister of Communications, Innovation and Digital Economy. Tijani emphasized the need to ensure that girls and women are not left behind in Nigeria’s digital economy. The governor pointed out that the triumph of FGGC Cross River serves as a clear illustration of Tijani’s assertion that talent is abundant across all regions of Nigeria, provided there are opportunities and support.
Governor Otu championed federal investments in initiatives like Project Bridge and the National Artificial Intelligence Strategy, which he sees as essential for unlocking opportunities for many Nigerian youths. He reiterated that the future of the country significantly hinges on how well it develops the capabilities of the current generation, particularly by equipping young girls with essential digital skills.
