Tech4Dev has concluded the maiden edition of its AI Inter-District Secondary School Challenge, equipping 135 girls from 27 public secondary schools in Lagos with practical artificial intelligence and problem-solving skills.
The initiative, implemented under the Tech Girls Drive Advocacy programme of the Women Techsters initiative, culminated in a grand finale where six finalist teams presented AI-powered solutions aimed at improving learning accessibility, enhancing student safety and addressing bullying in schools.
The programme began with advocacy sessions across 31 public secondary schools in Lagos Education Districts II and IV, introducing female students to digital skills, artificial intelligence and technology career opportunities. Twenty-seven schools were subsequently selected for the competition, with each nominating five girls from JSS1 to SS3 to develop AI-based solutions under the guidance of teachers and volunteer mentors.
Speaking at the grand finale, Abraham Akpan, Country Manager, Nigeria and Sub-Saharan Africa at Tech4Dev, said the challenge was designed to prepare girls for an AI-driven future.
“This challenge was about more than learning Artificial Intelligence. It was about helping young girls see themselves as creators, innovators, and problem-solvers. When girls are given access to the right skills and opportunities, they can build solutions that create real impact in their communities.”
Mende Junior High School emerged as the overall winner with Learning Without Limits, an AI-powered platform that converts classroom notes into sign language videos, simplified visual explanations, subtitles and voice narration to improve learning for deaf and hard-of-hearing students.
Onike Girls Junior High School placed second with Onike Girls Alarm Station, a personal safety application featuring a one-tap emergency alert with live GPS tracking to help girls quickly access assistance during emergencies, including in areas with poor network coverage.
Mende Senior High School finished third with SpeakSafe, an anonymous AI-powered reporting platform that enables students to report bullying while helping schools identify patterns and respond promptly.
One of the participating students said the challenge had transformed her perception of artificial intelligence.
“Before this challenge, I never imagined I could use AI. Working with my team showed me that our ideas matter, and it has inspired me to keep learning and building solutions that can help others.”
Beyond the finalists, participating schools developed AI-driven solutions addressing gender-based violence, adolescent health, environmental sustainability, financial literacy, unemployment, educational access and social inclusion.
“Education must continue to evolve to prepare young people for the reality of tomorrow. Initiatives like this provide students with opportunities to develop critical thinking, creativity, and digital skills. We commend Tech4Dev for creating this platform and investing in the future of our girls,” the representative of the permanent secretary of the Lagos State Ministry of Basic and Secondary Education, said.
Tech4Dev said the competition reflects its commitment to expanding access to digital skills for girls in underserved communities.
Through its Women Techsters Programme, which operates in many African countries, the organisation said it is creating pathways for girls and women across the continent to acquire technology skills, pursue careers in the digital economy and contribute to inclusive innovation.
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