Nigerian girls in secondary school, this is your moment to shine in tech! The National Girls in ICT (NG-ICT) 4.0 Competition 2026, launched by the Federal Ministry of Communications, Innovation & Digital Economy, opens doors to free laptops, scholarships, certification training, and cash prizes. Applications are live via this official Google Form, but the deadline is February 28, 2026—just days away.
This annual initiative empowers young women in STEM, addressing Nigeria’s gender gap in ICT. Over 10,000 girls have benefited since inception, with top winners gaining university scholarships and industry mentorships. If you’re in SS1-SS3, don’t miss out—apply today!
What is the National Girls in ICT (NG-ICT 4.0) Competition?
NG-ICT 4.0 is a flagship program under President Tinubu’s digital agenda, targeting Nigerian secondary school girls aged 12-18. Organized by the Federal Ministry of Communications, it promotes ICT skills like coding, AI, cybersecurity, and digital innovation.
Key Objectives:
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Bridge the 30% female representation gap in Nigeria’s tech sector.
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Provide hands-on training and resources for underprivileged girls.
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Foster innovation through national competitions and showcases.
Past editions (e.g., NG-ICT 3.0 in 2025) saw finalists compete in Lagos, with winners receiving HP laptops and ₦500,000 prizes. Edition 4.0 ups the ante with AI-focused challenges.
Why It Matters for You: In a job market where ICT skills command ₦500k+ starting salaries, this is a free launchpad. No entry fees—pure merit-based.
Eligibility Criteria: Who Can Apply?
Open to all Nigerian secondary school girls in SS1, SS2, or SS3, regardless of school type (public/private). Here’s the breakdown:
| Requirement | Details |
|---|---|
| Nationality | Nigerian citizen |
| Age/School Level | SS1-SS3 (typically 12-18 years) |
| Location | Any state; zonal competitions possible |
| Documents Needed | School ID, birth certificate, 1-2 referees (teacher/principal) |
| Tech Skills | Beginner-friendly; no prior coding required |
No JAMB/UTME score needed. Homeschooled or out-of-school girls? Check with organizers via ngict@fmcide.gov.ng. Priority for girls from low-income backgrounds or rural areas.
Quick Check: If you’re a girl passionate about tech, you’re eligible. Applications are 100% online—no travel yet.
Prizes and Rewards: What Winners Get
The stakes are high! Top performers walk away transformed:
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Grand Prize: Full university scholarship (up to ₦2M), branded laptop (HP/equivalent), certification (e.g., Google IT Support), and ₦1M cash.
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1st-3rd Runners-Up: Laptops, ₦500k-₦200k cash, training vouchers.
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All Finalists (Top 50): Free ICT bootcamp, mentorship from NITDA experts, certificates.
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Participation Perks: E-certificates, access to online resources.
In 2025, 1st place winner from Kano got a scholarship to study Computer Science at UNILAG. Total prize pool: Over ₦50M.
Bonus: Winners join the NG-ICT alumni network for internships at MTN, Google Africa, or Airtel.
How to Apply: Step-by-Step Guide
Applying takes 10-15 minutes. Use a desktop/laptop for best results :
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Visit the Form: Click NG-ICT 4.0 Application Link.
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Fill Personal Details: Name, school, LGA, state, phone/email.
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Upload Documents: Passport photo (white background), school ID, birth cert (PDF/JPG under 2MB).
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Submit Project Idea: Answer prompts like “My ICT Innovation for Nigeria” (200-300 words)—focus on real problems (e.g., farm apps for rural areas).
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Referees: Provide teacher/principal contacts.
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Review & Submit: Get confirmation email instantly.
Deadline: February 28, 2026, 11:59 PM. Late apps auto-rejected.
Troubleshooting:
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Form errors? Clear cache or use Chrome incognito.
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No email? Use school Gmail.
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Download our free application checklist.
Competition Stages: From Application to Grand Finale
Shortlisted applicants advance through phases:
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Online Screening (March 2026): Project review.
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Zonal Challenges (April 2026): Virtual quizzes/coding tests.
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National Bootcamp (May 2026): Abuja/Lagos in-person training.
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Grand Finale (June 2026): Pitch your project to judges.
Winners announced live on NTA/Arise TV. Prep with free resources: Download Python basics or Scratch from NITDA site.
Why Apply Now? 5 Urgent Reasons Before Feb 28 Deadline
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Slots Limited: Only 5,000 apps expected; top 500 advance.
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No Extensions: Strict cutoff, like JAMB—no appeals.
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Life-Changing Prizes: Laptops alone cost ₦500k+.
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Build Your CV: Certifications boost JAMB/post-UTME apps.
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Join Sisterhood: Network with 2026’s top girl techies.
Cross-link to your JAMB post: “Registered for JAMB 2026? Supercharge with NG-ICT skills!”
Success Tips from Past Winners
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Be Authentic: Solve local issues (e.g., apps for WAEC prep).
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Practice Coding: Free on freeCodeCamp.org.
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Team Up? Solo entries only, but discuss ideas with teachers.
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Showcase Passion: Videos/photos of your projects score extra.
Abuja girls: Local events at FMOCDE—stay tuned via our scholarship alerts group.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Is NG-ICT 4.0 only for public schools?
No—all secondary girls qualify.
What if I miss the deadline?
Wait for 2027; no late entry.
Prizes taxable?
Non-taxable for minors; scholarships tax-free.
Contact for help?
ngict@fmcide.gov.ng or official Facebook.
Can boys apply?
Girls-only program.
Take Action: Apply Here!
