From Mokwugwo Solomon, Awka
St. John Vianney Science College, Igbariam, Anambra State, has emerged victorious at the National Girls in ICT Competition 2024, winning the prestigious national championship with their innovative virtual reality (VR) project.
The school is owned by a Catholic priest, Rev. Fr. Emmanuel Obimma, the Spiritual Director of the Holy Ghost Adoration Ministry, Uke. Obimma is is fondly called Fr. Ebube Muonso.
The National Girls in ICT Competition, organized by the Federal Ministry of Communication, Innovation, and Digital Economy, aims to foster technology innovation among girls in secondary schools across Nigeria. The competition brings together teams from all 36 states to showcase their tech-based projects.
St. John Vianney Science College’s winning project, “M-Tag VR,” allows users to explore iconic Nigerian landmarks, such as Zuma Rock, while learning about diverse cultural elements from various Nigerian tribes. The team, composed of Immaculate Ebube Ikegwuonu, Camilla Anyadike, and Nweke-Nonso Oluchi, was guided by their coach, John Onuigbo.
Team St. John Vianney defeated other teams from across the country, eventually winning the national championship title.
Throughout the competition, the Anambra team demonstrated exceptional skills and creativity. They started by winning the Anambra state competition, then moved on to claim the Southeastern regional championship, out-matching teams from Ebonyi, Imo, Abia, and Enugu.
Their journey culminated in the national stage, where they faced fierce competition from all six geopolitical zones of Nigeria; while Rivers and Lagos states secured the second and third-place positions, respectively.
The director of St. John Vianney Science College, Rev. Fr. Emmanuel Obimma (Ebube Muonso), who expressed pride in his students’ achievements, said: “This national championship is a monumental achievement for our school and a source of immense pride. It exemplifies our commitment to empowering young women in STEM fields. As a science college, we understand the impact of technology, and we empower students to use it as a force for good. Hence, this win isn’t coming as a surprise. It’s the result of years of hard work.”
Meanwhile, Fr. Ebube Muonso has announced full scholarship for the three students, who coveted the laurel for the science college. He said the trio would enjoy the free education until they pass out of the school. He encouraged other students in the school to work hard for the greater good of the school and for themselves.
