No fewer than 313 students from 44 private and public schools gathered for the 2025 World Robotics Olympiad (WRO) National Competition in Lagos on Tuesday.
The event, organised by Arc Lights Foundation (ALF), was held at the Oriental Hotel, Victoria Island, under the theme ‘The Future of Robots.’
Present were Lagos State Commissioners Mobolaji Ogunlende (Youth) and Jamiu Alli-Balogun (Education), alongside key officials from NITDA and Lagos education ministries.
Alli-Balogun stressed the importance of robotics education in national development, describing it as key to global competitiveness and innovation.
He said Lagos would adopt robotics into policy through budget allocation and curriculum updates across schools, starting with model institutions.
NITDA representative, Mr Oladejo Olawunmi, revealed plans to introduce a national robotics curriculum in secondary schools from September 2025.
Speaker Olusola emphasised local hardware production for robotics, urging Nigeria to build supply chains and create a viable innovation-driven economy.
He noted that building hardware locally would support national industrial growth and strengthen the robotic ecosystem.
ALF founder, Mrs Abisola Obasanya, said her organisation had grown significantly since its inception, taking winners abroad to represent Nigeria.
She said global exposure through the Olympiads improves innovation, builds confidence and introduces students to global technology trends and cultures.
Obasanya stressed the need for Nigerian children to embrace robotics and artificial intelligence, noting traditional jobs are fast disappearing.
She added that robotics enhances critical thinking, creativity and the ability to provide real-world solutions, vital for Nigeria’s future.
“We are nurturing young Nigerians to be tech experts and entrepreneurs who will drive transformation,” Obasanya said.
She lamented that Nigeria often fails at implementation despite having talented innovators and sound policies in place.
She called for increased education budgets and basic facilities like computers, still absent in many Nigerian schools.
ALF, she said, had toured the country teaching robotics and training teachers in collaboration with partner organisations since 2011.
The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that in spite of initial challenges in sponsorship, support has grown with more companies and governments now recognising the Olympiad’s impact.
Obasanya praised the Lagos State Government for consistently sponsoring national winners’ participation in international competitions.
She confirmed the training of 20 teachers in robotics this year, transforming student lives and improving academic opportunities.
Fourteen teams will represent Nigeria at the 2025 WRO in Singapore, each comprising three students, a coach, and officials.
NAN reports the winning teams of the national finals across various categories as follows:
Robo Mission (Senior):
1st – New Era Senior School
2nd – Eva Adelaja Senior School
3rd – Team Diligent, Ojo Senior High School
Robo Mission (Junior):
1st – Team New Era
2nd – Team Okesuna
3rd – Ojota Junior High School
Future Tech (Junior):
1st – Team Nonpareil
2nd – Team Imperial
Future Engineer (Senior):
1st – Team Botmax, New Era School
2nd – Rainbow College
3rd – Vivian Fowler School
Future Innovators (Junior):
1st – Ojota Junior Secondary School
2nd – Eva Adelaja Junior Secondary School
Future Innovators (Senior):
1st – Lagoon School
2nd – Abba’s Heart Montessori School
3rd – Lagoon School
Future Innovators (Technical Colleges):
1st – Government Technical College, Ikotun
2nd – Whitesands School
3rd – Lagos State Model School, Meiran. (NAN)
