Students of Government Secondary School, Gwarinpa, Abuja, have emerged fourth globally and the best in Africa at the “For Good Youth Challenge Robotics” competition in Geneva, Switzerland, after developing innovative robotic solutions to address real world challenges.
The school’s robotics team, known as ‘Team Bright Stars,’ competed in the junior category of the competition’s grand finale, where participants from different countries were tasked with designing technology-driven solutions using robotics and Artificial Intelligence (AI).
The school stated this yesterday when its team led by the principal, Mr Abubakar Ajayi Ozovehe, paid a courtesy visit to the LEADERSHIP Group head office in Abuja.
According to the school, the students secured their position through months of training, coding, programming and practical sessions that enabled them to develop robots capable of carrying out tasks in agriculture, safety and emergency response.
During the visit, Ozovehe said the students’ achievement was due to the school’s deliberate effort to expose the learners to emerging technologies and create opportunities for them to develop their talents beyond conventional classroom activities.
He said the school decided to adopt a different approach to student development by introducing programmes that encouraged creativity, discipline and innovation.
“We thought that we could do things differently, especially in terms of discipline. Instead of carrying cane and pursuing everybody that misbehaves, why not do something different and better? We introduced activities and created opportunities for students to engage their talents,” he said.
According to him, the introduction of sports, technology and other co-curricular activities helped students develop confidence and discover their abilities.
“These activities exist side by side with the school curriculum. No one can do without them. We brought in basketball, football and other activities that had never been done before. Students who ordinarily would avoid school activities are now coming because they have a sense of belonging,” he said.
The principal said robotics became one of the major areas of focus because of its growing importance in the global economy.
“Robotics is an area Nigeria is lagging behind. What we are doing is catching up. Those who have started earlier are already ahead, so we must provide opportunities for our young ones to build these skills.
“Our goal is to build a future-ready school. The problems these children will face tomorrow are not necessarily the problems we are facing today. We need to build children who are ready to face those challenges and come up with solutions,” Ozovehe said.
He disclosed that the students’ project at the competition focused on agricultural and safety solutions, including robots designed to support planting, harvesting and movement of hazards to storage areas.
The principal also recalled that the school participated in an international AI competition in Geneva last year, where students developed an earthquake rescue robot capable of identifying victims and assisting in emergency situations.
He appealed for increased investment in robotics education, noting that many schools lacked the resources required to introduce students to advanced technology.
“Robotics education is expensive. The equipment and kits required are costly, and many schools cannot afford them on their own. Our dream is to see every school equipped with robotics facilities, even if they start with basic kits. Government support is essential, but we also need partnerships with the private sector and other stakeholders. If we fail to prepare our children for this technological age, they will be left behind.”
Receiving the students, the Senior Vice Chairman and Editor-in-Chief of LEADERSHIP Group Ltd, Azubuike Ishiekwene, commended their achievement, saying it was a source of pride to Nigeria and Africa.
“Let me once again extend a very warm welcome to our bright stars. We are incredibly proud of your outstanding achievement. You have done a remarkable job, and you have made yourselves, your school, your teachers and indeed this country proud,” Ishiekwene said.
Ishiekwene encouraged the students to understand that their achievement could become the foundation for greater opportunities in the future.
The editor-in-chief urged the students to remain focused and appreciate those who contributed to their success.
“None of us succeeds alone. We all stand on the shoulders of people who invest in us, encourage us and believe in us. The best way to repay them is to keep working hard and keep pushing yourselves,” he said.
He added that the Geneva experience had changed the students and expanded their understanding of what was possible. “You may not realise it now, but you are no longer the same students who left Nigeria. This experience has changed you. It has broadened your horizons and prepared you for even greater opportunities,” Ishiekwene said.
Sharing his experience at the global competition, one of the students, Moshood Faizan Oladokun said the team knew they would encounter a different level of competition abroad and prepared themselves mentally.
“We knew before travelling that what we had been practising in Nigeria would be different from what we would meet there, so we prepared ourselves mentally. Once we arrived, we adjusted quickly.
“Our coach had given us intensive training and practice before the competition, and that really helped us,” he said.
Another student, Ojini Chibuike King David described the moment they achieved global recognition as unforgettable.
“I was very happy and grateful. It was an unforgettable moment,” he said.
Also speaking, Abubakar Ohunene, one of the students, said the Geneva trip was his first international journey, and said everything was beautiful.
“Everything was beautiful. It was a wonderful experience,” she said.
Another team member, Abubakar Akbar Adinoyi, said he was amazed by the environment and the experience of travelling internationally.
Other members of the team are; the Robotics Desk Officer FCT-SEB, Mrs Suleiman Aishatu, lead coach, Mr Toba Mayowa Jerry and second coach, Ms Iyinyemi Dorcas Oluwafisayo.
Source: leadership.ng
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