Article by Favour Longret
From hunger relief apps to farming tools and school registration solutions, young girls from Abuja’s public schools are using technology to transform their communities—one code at a time.
A group of spirited girls from public secondary schools in Abuja took center stage at the Technovation Regional Pitch Event, organized by Odyssey Educational Foundation, where they showcased mobile apps developed to tackle real-world problems in their communities.
Held from May 29 to 31 at Ishakool Apartments, Garki 2, the event aimed to inspire girls to see themselves not just as users of technology, but as creators and future leaders in Nigeria’s growing tech ecosystem. Over several months, the participants received mentorship and team-building support, helping them turn everyday challenges into fully conceptualized and pitched mobile app solutions.
The Abuja event was part of the global Technovation Girls Challenge, a program equipping girls aged 8 to 18 with skills in coding, innovation, and entrepreneurship. For many of the participants, it marked their first experience writing code, building an app, or pitching a tech product in public.
Odyssey Educational Foundation’s Executive Director, Engr. Stella Ugochukwu, delivered a passionate welcome address, stressing that the initiative is about more than just technology:
“We are deliberate about choosing girls for this program. Our aim is to give them the space, the tools, and the confidence to say, ‘I can build this. I can solve this.’ They’re not just the future of tech — they are the present,” she said.
Ugochukwu acknowledged the obstacles that many teams, especially from underserved communities, often face.
“Thousands of Nigerian teams sign up for the Technovation Challenge every year. But few make it to the semifinals because many lack reliable mentorship or internet access. This program is working to bridge that gap.”
She also issued a call to action for government bodies and private sector partners:
“We don’t just need funding. We need mentors, volunteers, and people willing to say to these girls: I believe in you.”
Highlighted Pitches
Among the standout pitches were apps from students at Junior Secondary School Garki Area 10, Government Day Secondary School Dutse-Alhaji, Government Girls Secondary School Dutse-Alhaji, and Junior Secondary School Kubwa — all trained and mentored by Odyssey Educational Foundation.
Jane Francis Okpanachi from JSS Garki impressed the crowd with her team’s app, Digital Food, which connects users to affordable meals and local food donation programs.
“Too many people around us struggle to eat,” Jane said. “We built this app so people can find cheaper food or get help if they can’t afford it. I never imagined I could do something like this. Now, I want to go even further.”
Since joining the program, Jane also started a small online accessories business.
“Technovation gave me confidence. I’ve learned that I’m not too young to be an entrepreneur or a changemaker.”
From GDSS Dutse-Alhaji, Ismaila Zulihat and her team created an app to assist farmers with location-specific advice, access to suppliers, and practical agricultural tips.
“Our farmers aren’t lazy — they just lack the right information,” she said. “Our app connects them to what they need to be more productive.”
The experience, she said, transformed her view of leadership.
“Before this, I didn’t know how to lead. But now, I’ve learned how to bring people together to solve problems.”
At JSS Kubwa, Miracle Chinenye Ipigbhe and her team introduced Paras, an app that simplifies school registration by allowing parents to register their children online.
“We see this every term — parents sweating in the sun just to register their kids,” Miracle said. “Our app makes it easier. It may look small, but it can change lives.”
Miracle, who now dreams of designing games for young people, added:
“Technovation showed me that being a girl is not a limitation. It’s a strength.”
Throughout the event, the girls stood proudly, presenting their apps not as school assignments, but as meaningful tools to solve urgent community problems. The audience frequently erupted in applause — not just for their technical skill, but for their courage and creativity.
“These girls are breaking barriers,” Ugochukwu said. “And they’re just getting started.”
As Nigeria seeks to deepen its digital economy, these young innovators offer a glimpse into a future powered by local solutions and female leadership — one app at a time.
