VEECUBED community: 4 schools represent Nigeria at world robotics Olympiad in Indonesia

Students from Troika School, Lekki, Zamani College, Kaduna, Alofos Foundation, Surulere and Ilado Community Junior High School, Ikoyi will represent Nigeria at the world Olympia holding in Jakarta, Indonesia in November 2013.

This was disclosed by the Managing Director, Arc Light Nigeria Limited, Mr Tayo Obasanya at the end of the national robotic competition that took place at Oriental Hotel, Lekki, Lagos.

Obasanya said; “The world Olympia is a competition that involves students in primary, junior and senior secondary schools. It engages them in robotic education which promotes computer science, science, engineering science technology and mathematics education.”

He noted that it is open to students in public and private schools because it helps bring technology closer to students. According to him, the contest introduces technology to students, a fun way which makes learning of science and technology very easy and exciting. “Every year, the number of entries for the contest increases because through robotic knowledge, key concepts in sciences have been broken down, students now understand the use of energy force as it helps them to generate energy and measure it.

“Before now, in the classroom, it has been theories but now, they can apply it practically. It is not all about passing exams, but imparting life skills that are necessary for the development of solutions for today’s challenges. “Winners will represent Nigeria in Jakarta, Indonesia on 15-17 November 2013,” he said.

Meanwhile, Mrs Omolara Erogbogbo, Permanent Secretary, Lagos Ministry of Education who led Lagos students to the contest said: “We have read and seen robots in films but have never seen it like this before. Seeing our children laying their hands on these, means we have a great future. These children who have taken pains to participate in this competition have no doubt acquired great idea of technology.”

Erogbogbo who affirmed that the knowledge acquired will assist students in their studies, charged Nigerian students to concentrate in science and technology because that is what will drive the economy in the future. “Since we see these children already imbibing this idea into the school activities, we have a great future because we have always concentrated on Information Communication Technology (ICT), science and technology and entrepreneurship.