WRO Nigeria 2025: Showcasing the Future of Robotics and STEM Education
The 2025 World Robot Olympiad Nigeria National Competition, held in Lagos, marked a significant step forward in advancing robotics and STEM education in Nigeria. Organized by Arc-Lights Foundation, the event combined a national robotics competition with a high-level symposium that brought educators, policymakers, and industry experts together to address critical issues shaping Nigeria’s technological future.
Over 300 students from across the country participated in the competition, showcasing innovative solutions to real-world problems using robotics and programming. With an audience of over 2,000 onlookers, including teachers, parents, tech professionals, and government stakeholders, the atmosphere reflected a shared commitment to preparing young Nigerians for a future shaped by technology.
The event began with the Nigerian national anthem, followed by a compelling visual presentation highlighting the ongoing work of Arc-Lights Foundation in promoting robotics education across the country. The video underscored the Foundation’s commitment to empowering students, teachers, and Nigeria at large with access to future-focused skills and opportunities.
At a later point during the event, Mrs. Abisola Dokunmu-Adegbite, Permanent Secretary of the Lagos State Ministry of Basic and Secondary Education, delivered a thoughtful address. She spoke on the importance of exposing students to emerging technologies like robotics and AI and applauded Arc-Lights Foundation for its consistent leadership in championing STEM education in Nigeria. Her remarks reinforced the day’s focus on creating pathways for young Nigerians to participate meaningfully in the global digital economy.
One of the most impactful sessions was the panel discussion on integrating robotics and AI into Nigeria’s basic and tertiary education curricula. Moderated by Mrs. Olabisi Ijimakinwa of Imperial Gates School, the session featured contributions from Dr. Oyelele, Director General of the DAWN Commission; Oladej0 Olawunmi a representative from the National Information Technology Development Agency (NITDA); and Honourable Jamiu Tolani Alli-Balogun, Lagos State Commissioner for Basic and Secondary Education.
During his special keynote address, Honourable Alli-Balogun confirmed that a revised national curriculum is in development to include robotics as a formal subject. While the framework is not yet finalized, it signals a strong policy direction aimed at equipping students with relevant technological skills. He also noted the importance of aligning the new curriculum with examination bodies such as WAEC and NECO, and the need for nationwide teacher training to ensure effective delivery.
Another panel, moderated by Mr. Peter Ikporo, focused on how robotics and AI can contribute to Africa’s tech-driven economy. Panelists, Mr. Kelechi Uchenna of NIGENUS, Dr. Oladele Waheed from Lagos State University, and Mr. Luqman Molumo, CEO of Heritage Global Academy shared perspectives on the role of education, policy, and local innovation in building a sustainable technology ecosystem across the continent.
This year’s competition featured four key categories: Future Innovators, Future Engineers, RoboMission, and RoboSports. Each category challenged students to design, build, and present solutions using robotics technology in different real-world contexts.
As part of the awards, Arc-Lights Foundation’s CEO, Abisola Obasanya, announced that the top-performing teams will represent Nigeria at the World Robot Olympiad in Singapore later this year, a global platform to showcase Nigerian talent. Additionally, winners of the Future Engineers category will receive a full tertiary scholarship to any public university of their choice in Nigeria, covering all tuition and mandatory fees for the duration of their studies.
The winners of each category were:
- Future Innovators Elementary – Team Smart Walking Stick from The Lagoon School
- Future Innovators Junior - Team Smart Guard from Okesuna Junior Sec School
- Future Innovators Senior - Team Admirable from Govt Tech College, Ikotun
- Future Engineers – Team BotMax
- RoboMission Elementary – Non Parel from Nonpareils Montessori School
- RoboMission Junior - Team Hospitable from New Era Girls Junior Secondary School
- RoboMission Senior – Team New Era from New Era Girls Snr Sec Sch
- RoboSports – Team Megamind from Bright Sun College
The presence of top government representatives, including Honourable Alli-Balogun and Mrs. Dokunmu-Adegbite, the Honourable Commissioner, Ministry of Youth and Social Development, Mobolaji Ogundele signaled growing public sector commitment to robotics and STEM integration in schools. Their participation sent a strong message about the role of policy in driving meaningful educational reform.
As the need for robotics and AI skills continues to rise, events like WRO Nigeria are helping shape a future-ready generation. By combining hands-on learning with strategic dialogue and international opportunities, the event reinforced the importance of long-term investment in tech education.