Nigerian teenagers are taking bold steps into the global technology space as the 2025–2026 Lego League National Coding and Robotics Championships kicked off in Abuja, spotlighting innovation, artificial intelligence, and youth-driven problem solving.
The three-day championship, taking place at Package B of the Moshood Abiola National Stadium, is drawing attention to the rising influence of Nigerian students in international robotics and AI competitions. Young participants are designing, coding, and competing with Lego-based robotic systems, demonstrating technical skills, creativity, and teamwork at a level comparable with global standards.
Organised by Coderina in collaboration with the Federal Ministry of Education, the event is positioning technology education as a central pillar for Nigeria’s future workforce. On Thursday, teenage competitors from across the country confidently took the stage, transforming classroom learning into practical solutions and real-world innovation.
Founder of Coderina, Olajire Ademola Ajayi, described the championship as a major step toward building a technology-driven generation. Speaking on the opening day, he praised the strong engagement from students, educators, and government stakeholders, noting that sustained collaboration is key to long-term success.
Ajayi commended the Federal Government for integrating artificial intelligence, coding, and robotics into Nigeria’s education framework, stressing that learning without application leaves students behind in a fast-evolving digital world. He revealed that since its establishment in 2012, Coderina has trained teachers nationwide to deliver AI education to both science and non-science students, helping to democratise access to emerging technologies.
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According to him, the future of robotics education depends not only on student enthusiasm but also on equipping teachers with adequate resources and support. He disclosed plans to collaborate with the Nigerian Educational Research and Development Council to strengthen teacher capacity and improve learning outcomes.
“What these students are building goes beyond theory. They are converting knowledge into solutions that can address real-life problems,” Ajayi said, adding that the long-term vision is to see Nigeria become an exporter of technology and innovation rather than a consumer. He also emphasized the need to raise entrepreneurial thinkers among both students and teachers, insisting that education must produce measurable outcomes.
Outstanding participants at the national championship will earn the opportunity to represent Nigeria at major international competitions in the United States, Australia, and Canada.
Representing the Minister of Education, Dr. Maruf Tunji Alausa, the Director of Technology and Science Education at the Federal Ministry of Education, Dr. Adenike Olodo Muyibat, reaffirmed the government’s commitment to youth-focused technology initiatives. She said Nigeria must keep pace with the global shift toward artificial intelligence, noting that the growing interest among young people has prompted increased government investment in STEM, TVET, and emerging technologies.
Dr. Adenike praised the Coderina initiative for projecting Nigeria positively on both national and international platforms and confirmed that the Ministry’s partnership with the organisation would continue to support young innovators. She also revealed plans to unite talented students from different geopolitical zones into national platforms that sustain their interest in AI and robotics.
The championship has recorded participation from hundreds of thousands of students across Nigeria’s six geopolitical zones, cutting across federal, unity, state, and private schools. As the competition progresses, it is fast becoming a defining moment for Nigeria’s push into artificial intelligence, robotics, and global technology leadership.
