Girls can drive Nigeria’s innovation future, Communication minister

Nigeria's young girls are poised to lead the nation's innovation future and solve its challenges, according to Dr. Bosun Tijani, Minister of Communications, Innovation and Digital Economy. He shared his optimism at the grand finale of the National Girls in ICT 2026 Competition in Abuja, themed "Code, Create and Inspire."

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It is a daunting task for a secondary school student to build a technology product without adult support.

The competition, supported by the Korea International Cooperation Agency (KOICA), the National Information Technology Development Agency, and the Nigerian Postal Service, featured teams from across Nigeria's six geopolitical zones. These teams presented technology-driven solutions to various societal problems, demonstrating the potential of young minds.

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We must commend the teachers behind these children who are exposing them to new technologies and helping them develop their ideas.

Minister Tijani highlighted the ministry's initiative to establish technology clubs in schools. These clubs aim to provide ongoing support for students, particularly after their participation in programs like the competition. He stressed the crucial role teachers play in mentoring students through the innovation process, acknowledging that without their guidance, many technological products might not reach fruition.

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We recognise that without the teachers many of these products may never reach the market. That is why we have provided clubs in schools to support the students.

"We recognise that without the teachers many of these products may never reach the market. That is why we have provided clubs in schools to support the students," Tijani stated. He congratulated the winning teams and praised all participants for their creativity and commitment. KOICA Country Director Mr. Kim Eunsub urged the girls to embrace technology and leadership roles as key drivers of Africa's digital transformation.

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KOICA works hand in hand with developing nations, not as a distant donor but as a genuine partner committed to shared growth and development.