The 2024/2025 First Lego League (FLL) Nigeria Championship has once again showcased the nation’s commitment to advancing robotics, artificial intelligence (AI), and STEM education, with key stakeholders praising the initiative’s impact on young innovators.
Dr. Nasir Sani-Gwarzo, Permanent Secretary of the Federal Ministry of Education, commended Coderina Education and Technology Foundation for its tireless efforts in expanding robotics and AI education across Nigerian schools.
Speaking at the event, he highlighted the competition’s role in experiential learning through Science, Technology, Engineering, Arts, and Mathematics (STEAM).
“Nurturing young innovators, coders, and inventors is critical to driving Nigeria’s technological advancement and positioning Africa in the Fifth Industrial Revolution,” Dr. Sani-Gwarzo stated.
He lauded Coderina for training students and teachers across Nigeria’s six geopolitical zones, significantly enhancing technological skills and creativity among young Nigerians.
Expressing optimism about the future of STEM education in the country, he noted the exceptional talent and innovation displayed by competing teams and underscored the need for a robust STEM education framework that equips students with practical skills in robotics, programming, and teamwork.
“The First Lego League provides a unique platform for achieving this objective, and the Federal Ministry of Education remains fully committed to supporting initiatives that unlock Nigeria’s technological potential,” he affirmed.
Dr. (Mrs.) Olodo Adenike, Director of Technology and Science Education, applauded the participants for their dedication and ingenuity throughout the competition. She emphasized the importance of the program’s theme, “Submerged,” which explores the treasures beneath the oceans as a way to develop problem-solving, resilience, and teamwork skills.
Founder of Coderina Education and Technology Foundation, Olajide Ademola Ajayi, described the program as a global initiative that empowers students and teachers to solve local problems using local resources.
“We must prioritize African solutions for African challenges,” he asserted, urging the Federal Government to integrate the program into the national strategy for advancing Technical and Vocational Education and Training (TVET).
The 2024/2025 First Lego League Nigeria Championship reaffirms Nigeria’s dedication to fostering innovation and equipping its youth with the skills necessary for a technology-driven future.
With continued government support, the nation is poised to stay at the forefront of global technological advancements, ensuring that young Nigerians become leading innovators in the digital age.