Schoolgirls Develop Over 700 AI Projects to Solve Community Problems

Secondary school girls from 16 government schools in the Federal Capital Territory (FCT) have developed more than 700 artificial intelligence (AI) projects aimed at addressing local challenges, including healthcare needs, online safety, education and climate-related problems.

The projects were presented on Wednesday, October 28, 2026, at the "AI for Her Showcase 2026" organised by AfroTechxcel at Model Secondary School, Maitama, Abuja. The event featured the submission of a policy memorandum to the National Information Technology Development Agency (NITDA) and the FCT Secondary Education Board on the safe and inclusive adoption of AI in Nigerian schools.

AfroTechxcel Founder and Executive Director, Emerald Akhaumere, disclosed that the initiative had enrolled more than 772 girls, who completed thousands of learning activities and developed over 700 projects.

According to figures she presented, the participants completed 8,301 learning activities and recorded 1,138 quiz attempts, with an average performance score of 73 per cent (the programme required a minimum progression score of 70 per cent.)

The projects also received more than 4,980 rounds of feedback from human mentors, helping the participants refine their ideas and develop solutions to problems affecting their communities.

Akhaumere explained that the programme was designed to combine technical training with leadership development, enabling participants to apply their knowledge beyond classroom exercises.

Healthcare, Digital Safety and Climate Solutions

The projects covered several areas, reflecting the challenges the students identified in their communities.

More than one-third of the projects focused on digital innovation including AI classifiers, WhatsApp community bots and school registries.

Nearly 30 per cent addressed healthcare concerns including menstrual and maternal health while almost one-fifth focused on safety, consent and digital rights.

Other participants developed ideas involving flood alerts and agricultural tracking to address climate-related challenges.

Akhaumere said the showcase marked a shift from introductory AI training to building, testing and preparing solutions for potential real-world use. She added that participants had developed financial projections and user-adoption plans, with their solutions tested with users.

AfroTechxcel Seeks Child-Safe AI Education

The organisation also submitted a policy memorandum to NITDA and the FCT Secondary Education Board, proposing measures to support responsible AI integration in schools.

The proposals include teacher training, affordable access to technology, improved learning outcomes and safeguards to protect children.

Akhaumere stressed that technology education should reflect the realities of Nigerian learners rather than rely entirely on curricula designed for different social and economic environments.

She also emphasised that AI should support teachers rather than replace their professional judgement, while students should still demonstrate their understanding independently of AI tools.

Speaking at the event on behalf of NITDA Director-General Kashifu Inuwa, the agency’s Director of IT Infrastructure and Solutions, Oladejo Olawumi, commended the initiative for encouraging young people to develop solutions to local problems.

He highlighted the importance of data protection, responsible innovation and solutions that can work in schools with limited internet connectivity.

AfroTechxel Plans to Expand Practical Digital Training

Akhaumere disclosed that AfroTechxcel was developing learning hubs, beginning with a facility in Lugbe, Abuja, with "Mpape" expected to follow.

The organisation is also working with partners to create internship and practical work opportunities for girls and women who complete its programmes.

She noted that digital education should provide pathways into entrepreneurship, freelancing, education and advocacy rather than end with the award of certificates.

The initiative aligns its projects with the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals, linking community challenges with opportunities for partnerships, investment and sustainable development.