The St. John Vianney Science College girls from Anambra State won the National Girls in ICT Competition 2024 with their virtual reality project and became the national champions on Wednesday.
The National Girls in ICT Competition is a technology innovation contest for secondary school girls across Nigeria, organized by the Federal Ministry of Communication, Innovation, and Digital Economy.
M-Tag VR, the college’s innovative project, allows users to explore iconic landmarks such as Zuma Rock and learn about the fascinating cultural aspects of Nigerian tribes.
Immaculate Ikegwuonu, Camilla Anyadike, and Nweke-Nonso Oluchi, along with their coach, John Onuigbo, triumphed over teams from all 36 states of the federation.
The girls initially won the Anambra State competition, then proceeded to conquer the South-Eastern regional championship, defeating teams from Ebonyi, Imo, Abia, and Enugu states, before making it to the national finals.
The exceptional project and skills of the girls impressed judges throughout, leading to a thrilling national victory against strong contenders from the six geopolitical zones of the country.
Rivers and Lagos states secured the second and third-place positions, respectively.
Immaculate Ikegwuonu expressed gratitude, saying, “We are thankful for this opportunity! Thanks to our school for motivating us to pursue careers in ICT. We hope to inspire other girls to do the same through this win.”
The Director of St. John Vianney Science College, Rev. Fr. Emmanuel Obimma, expressed joy, stating, “This national championship is a monumental achievement for our school, showcasing our commitment to empowering young women in STEM fields.
“As a science college, we understand the impact of technology and empower students to use it for good. Hence, this win isn’t coming as a surprise. It’s the result of years of hard work.
This victory showcases the dedication and talent of these young girls. We are glad to have been part of their journey, witnessing not only their technical skills but also their ability to innovate and problem-solve.”
The Operations Lead of Kodex Africa, Idika Ukpai, mentioned that the National Girls in ICT Competition is facilitated through implementing hubs in each state, providing logistical support and ensuring a smooth competition process. Kodex Africa supported the Anambra State team.
