Abuja, Nigeria – In a significant step toward advancing technology education, the Federal Ministry of Education held the 2024/2025 First Lego League (FLL) Nigeria Championship, showcasing the innovative spirit of young Nigerians.
The event, celebrated for promoting experiential learning in STEAM, was graced by the Permanent Secretary of the Ministry.
Dr. Nasir Sani-Gwarzo commended the efforts of Coderina Education and Technology Foundation.
During the championship, Dr. Sani-Gwarzo emphasized the vital role of nurturing young innovators, coders, and inventors in propelling Nigeria’s technological progress.
He articulated a vision for the future where such initiatives contribute significantly to Africa’s Fifth Industrial Revolution.
“The competition is not just a contest; it is a platform for our youth to explore their potential and develop the skills necessary for the future,” he stated.
Furthermore, Dr. Sani-Gwarzo highlighted the foundation’s commitment, noting the extensive training programs conducted across Nigeria’s six geopolitical zones.
These programs have significantly enhanced the technological skills and creativity of students and teachers alike.
He expressed optimism about the trajectory of STEM education in Nigeria, inspired by the exceptional talent and innovative solutions presented by the competing teams.
Additionally, the Permanent Secretary reiterated the importance of establishing a robust STEM education framework.
This framework equips students with practical skills in areas such as robotics, programming, and teamwork.
He described the First Lego League as an exemplary platform for achieving these educational goals.
Additionally, he reaffirmed the Federal Ministry of Education’s steadfast support for initiatives that unlock Nigeria’s technological potential.
Dr. (Mrs.) Olodo Adenike, Director of Technology and Science Education, welcomed participants and praised their hard work and ingenuity throughout the competition.
She introduced the program’s theme, “Submerged,” which invites students to explore the treasures beneath the oceans, thereby fostering critical skills such as problem-solving, resilience, and teamwork.
Olajide Ademola Ajayi, Founder of Coderina Education and Technology Foundation, framed the program as a global empowerment initiative.
The initiative aims to equip students and teachers to address local challenges effectively using available local resources.
He emphasized the need for African solutions to address African problems effectively, advocating for local ownership of initiatives.
He urged the Federal Government to adopt the program, seeing it as a strategic tool for advancing TVET.
Furthermore, he emphasized the importance of collaboration to ensure the program’s success and maximize its impact on education.
As Nigeria embraces technological innovation, events like the First Lego League Championship shape the minds of the next generation.
These competitions ensure that young Nigerians develop essential skills, keeping the country competitive on the global stage.
The enthusiasm demonstrated by participants at the championship is a testament to the bright future of STEM education in Nigeria.
