Anambra Secondary School Wins ‘Outstanding’ Award at Global AI Youth Competition

By Olisemeka Obeche

A public secondary school in Anambra State, Ado Girls Secondary School, Onitsha, has gained international recognition after winning the Outstanding Organisation Award at the Global AI Youth Competition organised by the International AI Youth Education Society.

The recognition marks a significant milestone for digital and artificial intelligence education initiatives targeting public secondary school students in Nigeria, particularly girls, amid growing efforts to expand participation in emerging technologies.

The award was secured through the Digital Access Programme implemented by TechQuest STEM Academy in partnership with Cummins Inc. The initiative currently provides 750 students and 10 teachers with training in foundational and emerging digital skills.

According to organisers, the competition was held between December 2025 and February 2026, attracting participants from countries including the United States, the United Kingdom, China and Russia.

Officials described the achievement as remarkable, noting that the students earned the recognition barely two months after joining the programme, highlighting the impact of structured digital education and mentorship.

The Head of Service, Anambra State, Barr. Ngozi Iwouno, Esq., mni, praised the students and organisers for competing successfully against schools from technologically advanced nations.

“It is particularly gratifying to note that your school, under the TechQuest Digital Access Programme funded by the Cummins Foundation Inc., competed creditably alongside student teams from advanced countries such as the United States, the United Kingdom, China and Russia and distinguished itself with multiple international recognitions,” she said.

Corporate Responsibility Leader for Africa and the Middle East at Cummins Inc., Ify Anene, said the achievement demonstrated the importance of expanding access to technology and mentorship for girls.

“At Cummins, we are committed to powering a positive difference in the communities where our employees work and live. The achievements of the students at Ado Girls Secondary School are a powerful reflection of what can happen when young girls are given access to the right tools, mentorship and opportunities to thrive in the digital age,” she said.

Co-Founder of TechQuest STEM Academy, Charles Emembolu, described the award as proof that Nigerian students can compete globally when provided with the right support systems.

“This is not just a win for Ado Girls. It is a signal of what is possible at scale. When we provide the right infrastructure, curriculum and support, our young people can deliver outcomes that meet global standards. Our focus now is to expand this model across more schools,” he said.

Although the award was initially presented virtually, it was later celebrated during the school’s Career Fair Day, where students showcased projects and achievements before school authorities, representatives of Cummins and members of the TechQuest team.

Stakeholders said the broader goal of the Digital Access Programme goes beyond competitions and awards, focusing on long-term capacity building through teacher development, integration of digital learning into schools and the creation of pathways for advanced learning and innovation.

The initiative also reflects wider efforts to bridge Nigeria’s digital divide, promote gender inclusion in technology and prepare students for future workforce demands driven by artificial intelligence and digital transformation.