…135 Lagos girls showcase AI innovations for schools, communities
…Tech4Dev trains Lagos girls in AI, rewards community solutions

One hundred and thirty-five girls from 27 public secondary schools in Lagos have developed artificial intelligence-powered solutions addressing education, safety and bullying after participating in Tech4Dev’s maiden AI Inter-District Secondary School Challenge.

The initiative, organised under the Tech Girls Drive Advocacy programme of the Women Techsters initiative, introduced participants from Lagos Education Districts II and IV to practical AI and problem-solving skills.

The challenge culminated in a grand finale where six finalist teams presented AI-driven projects designed to improve learning accessibility, student safety and school welfare.

Speaking at the event, Tech4Dev’s Country Manager for Nigeria and Sub-Saharan Africa, Abraham Akpan, said the programme was designed to prepare girls for opportunities in 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,” he said.

The programme began with advocacy sessions in 31 public secondary schools before 27 schools progressed to the competition. Each participating school nominated five girls from Junior Secondary School 1 to Senior Secondary School 3 to develop AI-powered solutions with support from teachers and volunteer mentors.

At the competition, Mende Junior High School won the overall prize 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 finished second with Onike Girls Alarm Station, a personal safety application featuring a one-tap emergency alert and live GPS tracking to help girls seek assistance during emergencies, including in areas with poor network coverage.

Mende Senior High School secured third place with SpeakSafe, an anonymous AI-powered reporting platform designed to help students report bullying while enabling schools to identify patterns and respond promptly.

One of the participants said the challenge had changed 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,” she said.

Beyond the winning entries, participating schools developed projects focusing on gender-based violence, adolescent health, environmental sustainability, financial literacy, unemployment, educational access and social inclusion.

Representing the Permanent Secretary of the Lagos State Ministry of Basic and Secondary Education, Mrs Oni commended the initiative for promoting digital skills among young girls.

“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,” she said.

Tech4Dev said the challenge forms part of its broader effort to expand digital skills training for girls in underserved communities through the Women Techsters Programme, which operates in 30 African countries to prepare girls and women for careers in technology and innovation.