What began as a modest digital training programme in a public girls’ secondary school in southeastern Nigeria has quickly evolved into an unexpected international success story, placing students from Ado Girls Secondary School on the global artificial intelligence stage.
The school recently received the Outstanding Organisation Award at the global AI Youth Competition organised by the International AI Youth Education Society, a contest that drew participants from countries including the United States, the United Kingdom, China and Russia.
The recognition is being viewed as the result of targeted digital inclusion efforts rather than a sudden breakthrough.
At the centre of the development is the Digital Access Programme run by TechQuest STEM Academy in partnership with Cummins Inc.
The initiative provides structured training in foundational and emerging digital skills for public-school students and teachers, with about 750 students and 10 teachers currently engaged.
Organisers say the students joined the programme only months before the competition cycle began in December 2025, yet were able to attain international recognition by February 2026, underscoring the impact of structured exposure and mentorship in digital education.
The recognition has drawn attention from government and private-sector stakeholders, particularly due to its implications for girls’ participation in STEM fields and Nigeria’s broader digital transformation goals.
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The Anambra State Head of Service, Barr. Ngozi Iwouno Esq mni, said: “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.”
Cummins Inc. Corporate Responsibility Leader for Africa and the Middle East, Ify Anene, said: “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.”
Co-Founder of TechQuest STEM Academy, Charles Emembolu, said, “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.”
The award was first presented virtually and later celebrated physically during the school’s Career Fair Day, where students showcased projects developed through the programme and interacted with stakeholders from Cummins and TechQuest.
Beyond the award, organisers say the initiative is designed to build long-term digital capacity, train teachers, integrate technology into classroom learning, and create pathways into advanced digital skills, with the broader aim of reducing Nigeria’s digital divide and improving gender inclusion in artificial intelligence and other emerging technologies.
AI Writer
Bio: Joseph Michael is an MBA graduate in Marketing from Ladoke Akintola University of Technology and a passionate tech enthusiast. As a professional writer and author at AIbase.ng, he simplifies complex AI concepts, explores digital innovation, and creates practical guides for Nigerian learners and businesses. With a background in marketing and brand communication, Joseph brings clarity, insight, and real-world relevance to every article he writes.