The First edition of the Avishkaar National Robotics Competition in Nigeria held in collaboration with WAAQ Fusion Integrated Services marked a significant step in promoting Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics education in Nigeria.
The winners of the Avishkaar League 2024 and WAAQ Fusion STEM will compete in India in January 2025.
The event aimed to inspire students.
The competition featured 10 schools and focused on equipping students with skills in robotics, artificial intelligence (AI), and coding. The Avishkaar League 2024 theme, “The Rise of the Machines,” aimed to prepare young learners for a tech-driven future by integrating problem-solving and creativity into education.
“We want Nigerian students to be 21st-century compliant by exposing them to robotics and coding,” said Mrs Qudrah Jimoh, co-founder of WAAQ Fusion Integrated Services.
“This initiative is about developing solutions for global challenges while inspiring innovation in our youth. This competition is more than just an event.
“It’s a platform to inspire the next generation of problem-solvers and innovators who can shape the future of Nigeria and beyond,” said Jimoh.
A participating school, Director, Olive Crescent Scholars, Mrs Aminu Maryam, said, “The Avishkaar kits enable hands-on learning, equipping students with skills in coding, engineering, and problem-solving. This competition reflects the impact of STEM education in developing critical thinkers and innovators, so I had to ensure my school was part of it.
The competition included three categories; IRC league (robotics construction), Avishkaar Makeathon (engineering innovation), and Gamathon (coding challenges), divided into levels based on age groups.
Students showcased robots, innovative projects, and programming skills to tackle real-world problems.
Various school teams excelled in different categories at the competition securing spots to represent Nigeria at the international stage in Delhi, India.
In the IRC stage, Graine Royale International High School (Primary level), WAAQ Team Lagos (Junior level), and Heritage Global Academy (Middle and Senior levels) emerged as winners.
The Mateathon stage saw victories from Al-Azemaah Schools (Junior level), Indian Language School (Middle level), and Heritage Global Academy (Senior level).
Meanwhile, in the Gameathon, Al-Azemaah School (Junior level), Olive Crescent Scholars Academy (Middle level), and Heritage Global Academy (Senior level) claimed top spots.
Director and co-founder of WAAQ fusion, Mr Olanrewaju Jimoh, stressed the need for government support in STEM education.
“The government needs to do more to support STEM education. While private schools are adopting these technologies due to competition, public schools are still lagging. Collaboration and grants are essential to making robotics and coding education more accessible.”
“This competition is more than just an event it is a platform to inspire the next generation of problem-solvers and innovators who can shape the future of Nigeria and beyond,” he added.
Jimoh stated plans to make the competition an annual event, expanding it to include participation in other global STEM initiatives such as the World Robotics Olympia. He also aims to streamline planning to give winners sufficient time to prepare for international contests.
A prominent STEM educator and TV presenter, Chioma Omolaye, was one of the judges at the event. Speaking about her experience, she said
“I am enjoying myself. The children understand the problem statements and communicate them effectively. This reflects the excellent groundwork done by WAAQ Fusion, the representative of Avishkaar here in Nigeria. The participants have met expectations, if not surpassed them.”
“Instead of just enrolling children in swimming or dance clubs, add STEM activities. Invest in robotics kits, visit tech hubs, and nurture their curiosity. This will ensure our children are equipped to thrive in the global tech space,” she added.
Credit: THE PUNCH
