Ado Girls Secondary School, Onitsha, Anambra State, has earned international recognition after winning the Outstanding Organisation Award at the global AI Youth Competition organised by the International AI Youth Education Society.
Organisers said in a statement on Saturday that recognition highlights the growing impact of digital and artificial intelligence education initiatives targeting public secondary school students in Nigeria, particularly girls, as the country seeks to strengthen participation in emerging technologies.
The award came through the Digital Access Programme implemented by TechQuest STEM Academy in partnership with Cummins Inc., an initiative currently providing 750 students and 10 teachers with foundational and emerging digital skills training.
According to organisers, the competition ran between December 2025 and February 2026 and featured participants from countries including the United States, the United Kingdom, China and Russia.
Officials said the achievement was particularly significant because the students secured the recognition barely two months after joining the programme, underscoring the rapid impact of structured digital education and mentorship.
The Head of Service, Anambra State, Barr. Ngozi Iwouno Esq mni, commended the students and programme organisers, noting that the school competed successfully against teams from more technologically advanced countries.
“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 success demonstrated what could happen when girls are provided with access to technology, mentorship and opportunities.
“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 evidence that Nigerian students could 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.
The award, initially presented virtually, was later celebrated physically during the school’s Career Fair Day, where students showcased projects and achievements before school authorities, representatives of Cummins and the TechQuest team.
Stakeholders said the broader objective of the Digital Access Programme extends beyond competitions and awards, focusing on long-term capacity building through teacher development, the integration of digital learning into school systems and the creation of pathways for advanced learning and innovation.
The initiative also reflects wider efforts to bridge Nigeria’s digital divide, improve gender inclusion in technology and prepare students for future workforce demands driven by artificial intelligence and digital transformation.
Ado Girls Secondary School is regarded as one of the prominent girls’ secondary schools in Nigeria, with a reputation for academic excellence and student development. Cummins Inc., founded in 1919, is a global power solutions company operating across engine, power systems and zero-emission technology segments.
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