The Federal Government has reaffirmed its commitment to building a future-ready, technology-driven education system as over 500 students from across the country participated in the 12th Edition of the FIRST Tech Challenge (FTC) and FIRST LEGO League (FLL) National Robotics Competition, held at the Moshood Abiola National Stadium, Abuja.
The competition brought together students from federal unity colleges, state and private secondary schools, and basic education institutions nationwide, providing a platform to showcase innovation, teamwork, creativity, and problem-solving skills in robotics, artificial intelligence, and coding.
Speaking at the event, the Honourable Minister of State for Education, Prof. Suwaiba Said Ahmad, described technology integration in education as a necessity, reaffirming the Federal Government’s commitment to strengthening Science, Technology, Engineering, Arts and Mathematics (STEAM) education through sustained investment in digital skills, robotics, and innovation-driven learning.
She also underscored the importance of public-private partnerships, commending organisations such as the Coderina EdTech Foundation for their support.
The Director of Technology and Science Education, Dr. Mrs. Muyibat Adenike Olodo, described Nigeria’s youth population as a strategic national asset and noted that increasing interest in artificial intelligence and robotics has informed the Federal Government’s expanded investment in technology-based education. She highlighted the programme’s inclusive approach, its sustainable train-the-trainer model for teachers, and the importance of ethical, equitable, and sustainable innovation, citing tangible outcomes such as the Ruby Bot and Kiki Shagi robot.
Also speaking, the Executive Secretary, National Senior Secondary Education Commission (NSSEC), Dr. Iyela Ajayi, emphasized that quality education is central to national development and economic transformation. He stressed that initiatives such as FTC and FLL promote experiential learning and prepare students not only as technology users, but as innovators and solution providers. He reaffirmed NSSEC’s commitment to collaboration with key stakeholders to strengthen STEM education, digital literacy, teacher capacity development, and globally aligned curricula.
The Founder of Coderina EdTech Foundation, Mr. Olajide Ademola Ajayi, reiterated the organisation’s commitment to hands-on technology education, noting that programmes like the First LEGO League expose students to global best practices in robotics and teamwork, while strengthening collaboration and competitiveness through sustained public-private partnerships.
The competition concluded with outstanding performances, as Queen’s College, Lagos (Aurora Team 2) emerged Overall Champion, qualifying for the World Festival in Houston, Texas. Other teams securing international representation include Federal Government College, Okigwe (1st Runner-Up World Festival, Houston); FGGC Ikot Obio Itong (2nd Runner-Up Massachusetts Open Championship, USA); Queen’s College, Aurora Team 1 (3rd Runner-Up Canada Open International Championship); and Federal Government Girls’ College, Bauchi (4th Runner-Up International Open Championship, Greece).
Expressing her excitement, the Principal of Queen’s College, Dr. Obabori, reaffirmed the school’s commitment to advancing STEAM education for girls, emphasizing its role in closing gender gaps and equipping young women with globally competitive skills.
The competition highlighted Nigeria’s growing global footprint in robotics education and underscored the Federal Government’s resolve to deliver inclusive, innovative, and future-ready education for sustainable national development.
Signed
BORIOWO FOLASADE
Director, Press and Public Relations
