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Ukorebi Esien | October 21, 2025
CALABAR - Federal Government Girls' College (FGGC), Calabar, has emerged overall winner of the Tech Spark Artificial Intelligence (AI) Challenge for Secondary Schools, recently held in Cross River State, outshining nineteen other schools in a two-day competition that celebrated creativity, innovation, and digital intelligence.
The contest, which was organised by the True Elites Group in collaboration with the Cross River State Ministry of Youth Development and Skills Acquisition, featured three major segments: debate, quiz, and AI product presentation, all aimed at promoting technological literacy and problem-solving skills among students.
At the end of the keenly contested challenge, FGGC Calabar clinched the first position, while West African People's Institute (WAPI), Diamond Hill Road, came second, and St. Patrick's College, Ikot Ansa, finished third.
Speaking at the closing ceremony, the Commissioner for Education, Senator Stephen Odey, who represented the Governor of Cross River State, His Excellency Senator Prince Bassey Edet Otu, commended the organisers and participants for what he described as a "remarkable stride in reawakening educational innovation and excellence among young people."
Also speaking, the Commissioner for Youth Development and Skills Acquisition, Barr. Ukam Ijom, applauded the initiative and reaffirmed the government's resolve to empower young people with 21st-century skills.
He further stated that the outcome of the challenge has shattered long-held perceptions about public schools and the capacity of young people from the state.
Ijom also hinted that the Ministry will work with private partners like the True Elites Group to institutionalize similar programs that combine skills training, mentorship, and innovation labs across the state.
In her remarks, the Founder and President of True Elites Group, Ms. Bassey Ekpeyong, explained that the competition was designed to stimulate early interest in technology and artificial intelligence among secondary school students.
Ms Ekpeyong disclosed that the Tech Spark Challenge will extend across the six South-South states, with Cross River serving as the pilot phase. Winners received ₦1 million, a brand-new laptop, and a one-year intensive training in AI and technology, while second price winners recieved N500,000, a brand-new tablet, and third place winners received a cash prizes of N200,000, a phone and one-year intensive training in AI and technology also goes to both the second and third place winners
She also announced plans to establish Digital Literacy and AI Clubs across secondary schools in the state to sustain the momentum and provide continuous learning opportunities for students.
About 20 secondary schools within Calabar metropolis participated in the challenge, including Hope Waddell Training Institute, Government Technical College, Edgeley Memorial Girls' Secondary School, and Government Technical Secondary School, Mayne Avenue, among others.
CALABAR - Federal Government Girls' College (FGGC), Calabar, has emerged overall winner of the Tech Spark Artificial Intelligence (AI) Challenge for Secondary Schools, recently held in Cross River State, outshining nineteen other schools in a two-day competition that celebrated creativity, innovation, and digital intelligence.
The contest, which was organised by the True Elites Group in collaboration with the Cross River State Ministry of Youth Development and Skills Acquisition, featured three major segments: debate, quiz, and AI product presentation, all aimed at promoting technological literacy and problem-solving skills among students.
At the end of the keenly contested challenge, FGGC Calabar clinched the first position, while West African People's Institute (WAPI), Diamond Hill Road, came second, and St. Patrick's College, Ikot Ansa, finished third.
Speaking at the closing ceremony, the Commissioner for Education, Senator Stephen Odey, who represented the Governor of Cross River State, His Excellency Senator Prince Bassey Edet Otu, commended the organisers and participants for what he described as a "remarkable stride in reawakening educational innovation and excellence among young people."
"The future belongs to those who can think critically and innovate. What we have witnessed today gives us hope that Cross River students are ready to compete globally," Senator Odey said.
"As a government, we are committed to integrating technology-driven learning into our school system to prepare our students for the digital economy."
Also speaking, the Commissioner for Youth Development and Skills Acquisition, Barr. Ukam Ijom, applauded the initiative and reaffirmed the government's resolve to empower young people with 21st-century skills.
"This challenge is not just about competition; it is about preparing our young people for the realities of a new world order driven by technology," Ijom said.
"Our youths must not only consume technology but create it. What we have seen here today proves that Cross River students are capable of building solutions that can transform our economy."
He further stated that the outcome of the challenge has shattered long-held perceptions about public schools and the capacity of young people from the state.
"For too long, we have believed that our public schools cannot compete. This event has put that notion to rest. Our students have shown brilliance, confidence, and originality. They only need the right platforms and this government is determined to provide those platforms," the commissioner added.
Ijom also hinted that the Ministry will work with private partners like the True Elites Group to institutionalize similar programs that combine skills training, mentorship, and innovation labs across the state.
"We will continue to support creative ideas like this, because our young people deserve the opportunity to learn, experiment, and lead. The future of Cross River State rests in their hands," he affirmed.
In her remarks, the Founder and President of True Elites Group, Ms. Bassey Ekpeyong, explained that the competition was designed to stimulate early interest in technology and artificial intelligence among secondary school students.
She added that the performance of the students was inspiring, describing their presentations and debates as evidence of strong intellectual and creative capacity among Cross River students.
"We realized that most tech programs focus on university students. The True Elites Group decided to start earlier — at the secondary school level — where curiosity and innovation can best be nurtured," Ms Ekpeyong said.
"Their understanding of AI concepts, their curiosity, and their confidence show that with the right guidance, these students can build world-class innovations. "This experience has reaffirmed our belief that Cross River and Nigeria have the human capital needed to lead Africa's digital future." The Calabar born entreprenuer added.
Ms Ekpeyong disclosed that the Tech Spark Challenge will extend across the six South-South states, with Cross River serving as the pilot phase. Winners received ₦1 million, a brand-new laptop, and a one-year intensive training in AI and technology, while second price winners recieved N500,000, a brand-new tablet, and third place winners received a cash prizes of N200,000, a phone and one-year intensive training in AI and technology also goes to both the second and third place winners
She also announced plans to establish Digital Literacy and AI Clubs across secondary schools in the state to sustain the momentum and provide continuous learning opportunities for students.
About 20 secondary schools within Calabar metropolis participated in the challenge, including Hope Waddell Training Institute, Government Technical College, Edgeley Memorial Girls' Secondary School, and Government Technical Secondary School, Mayne Avenue, among others.
