Young Innovators Fly Nigeria’s Flag at Global Robotics Championship in California
In a powerful display of innovation and youthful ambition, four students from Federal Government College, Kaduna, have journeyed to California, USA, to represent Nigeria at the prestigious 2025 First LEGO League Global Robotics Challenge.
The team—Jovial Banki, Sinkalu Elizabeth, Obadaki Hiqmat, and Abubakar Aminu—embodies the spirit of resilience, passion, and purpose, driven by a shared dream to showcase Nigeria’s potential on the world stage.
They departed from Murtala Muhammed International Airport, Lagos, filled with excitement and pride, reflecting on the journey that led to their groundbreaking project.
“Our robot is unique,” said Jovial Banki. “We studied existing underwater monitoring devices and improved them by adding mobility, real-time data transmission, and better placement and stability. It’s designed to relay marine environment data directly to researchers.”
Built with four motors and sturdy wheels, the robot is the result of months of intense collaboration, creative thinking, and dedication. Despite the demands of national exams, the students balanced academics with long hours in the robotics lab.
“It took everything—hard work, commitment, teamwork,” said Abubakar Aminu. “But it also brought us joy. I helped design and assemble the robot, and it taught me that even those who doubt themselves can still make a real impact.”
Though some team members had to stay back due to ongoing WAEC exams, the four who travelled expressed a deep sense of mission.
“We’re not just going as individuals,” said Sinkalu Elizabeth. “We carry the hopes of our school, our state, and our country. It’s been tough balancing schoolwork with robotics, but our dream kept us going. We want to come back as champions.”
Their coach, Mohammed Magaji, who has mentored the team from the start, expressed immense pride.
“This didn’t happen overnight,” Magaji said. “From teaching basic robotics to competing at regional and national levels, it’s been a journey of vision and discipline. Now we’re ready to compete globally.”
He added that their success has already sparked interest in STEM across the region.
“Now we have younger students saying, ‘We want to be part of this.’ That’s how transformation begins—one student, one dream at a time.”
Principal of the school, Mr. Adewale Adeyanju, who has been a strong pillar of support, emphasized the national significance of their participation.
“This is more than a competition,” he said. “It’s a declaration that Nigerian talent is ready for the global stage. It proves that we can innovate, compete, and lead.”
Adeyanju noted that the students’ journey aligns with President Bola Tinubu’s vision for ICT development, academic excellence, and international competitiveness.
“When I visited the robotics lab after taking office, I said, ‘We must train these students to meet international standards.’ Despite funding challenges, we made it happen. Today, they are representing Nigeria globally.”
He also revealed that visa issues had prevented the original national champions from traveling, but he believed this team was destined for the spotlight.
“I told them, ‘We carry a unique grace.’ We’re going with preparation, purpose, and the prayers of an entire nation.”
“This journey is a beacon to the world,” he concluded. “It says: Look at what Nigerian students can achieve. Come invest, collaborate, and believe in their future. They are not just tomorrow’s leaders—they’re ready today.”
The championship, which ran from Saturday, May 31 to Monday, June 2, 2025, has now concluded. While the team didn’t return with the top prize, they earned medals for participation and valuable international exposure.
Reflecting on the experience, Principal Adeyanju said, “It was an eye-opener. We gained invaluable knowledge. What we need now is more investment in robotics and innovation.”
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