Lagos schools compete in 2026 clean energy challenge

Secondary school students across Lagos State are set to compete in the Lagos Clean Energy Schools Innovation Challenge 2026, an initiative aimed at promoting clean-energy innovation, STEM education and practical problem-solving among young people.

The challenge was launched on Wednesday by the Lagos State Ministry of Energy and Mineral Resources in Ikeja. Speaking at the event, the Commissioner for Energy and Mineral Resources, Mr Biodun Ogunleye, said the initiative was designed to nurture the next generation of clean-energy innovators, stressing that it went beyond a conventional school competition.

Ogunleye noted that the rapidly changing global energy landscape required deliberate investment in young people who would design, build, regulate, manage and lead the energy systems of the future.

“This is not simply a competition. It is a platform for our young people to identify problems, ask questions, develop ideas and create solutions to real-world energy challenges,” Ogunleye said.

He explained that the challenge would focus on four thematic areas: solar energy and photovoltaics; energy efficiency and conservation; biogas and waste-to-energy; and wind and hybrid energy systems.

The commissioner stated that Lagos, as Nigeria’s economic and innovation hub, must continue to develop the human capacity required to participate meaningfully in the transformation of the energy sector.

He added that such capacity building must begin early by exposing students to innovation, technology and practical problem-solving.

Ogunleye encouraged participating students to remain curious, work collaboratively, test their ideas and learn from setbacks, stressing that the objective went beyond producing a winning project to developing a generation capable of identifying challenges and working systematically towards practical solutions.

He reaffirmed the ministry’s commitment to strengthening collaboration with the education sector, schools, private-sector partners, mentors and other stakeholders to create opportunities for young people to learn, innovate and contribute to the development of Lagos State.

Earlier, the Permanent Secretary, Ministry of Energy and Mineral Resources, Ibilola Kasunmu, described the initiative as an investment in young people and the future of the energy sector.

Kasunmu stated that the energy challenges facing Lagos State and the wider world required young people who could think critically, embrace technology and develop practical and sustainable solutions.

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She explained that the maiden edition of LCESIC brought together eligible Senior Secondary School One and Senior Secondary School Two students from Education Districts 1, 2 and 3 to develop innovative solutions across the four thematic areas.

She added that participating students would progress from district-level competitions to the state-level competition and ultimately the championship.

The Permanent Secretary noted that the programme aligned with the Lagos State Government’s commitment to youth development, STEM education, innovation and sustainability under the THEMES+ Development Agenda.

Kasunmu acknowledged the support and leadership of the Lagos State Governor, Babajide Sanwo-Olu, and the energy commissioner in advancing initiatives that invest in the future of young people.

She also commended the Ministry of Basic and Secondary Education, Education Districts, school principals, teachers, mentors and implementing partners for their contributions to the development and implementation of the initiative.

In her goodwill message, the representative of the Permanent Secretary, Ministry of Basic and Secondary Education, Mrs Bosede Adumasi, described LCESIC as a laudable initiative that provided students with opportunities to apply classroom knowledge to real-world challenges.

Adumasi emphasised the importance of collaboration among government institutions, schools, teachers, industry partners and other stakeholders in nurturing the talents and capabilities of young people.

She encouraged participating students to approach the challenge with enthusiasm, curiosity and an open mind, stressing that meaningful innovation begins with identifying a genuine need and developing an appropriate solution.

The launch was attended by government officials and stakeholders from the energy and education sectors, including senior officials of the Lagos State Ministry of Energy and Mineral Resources, the Lagos State Electrification Agency, the Lagos State Electricity Regulatory Commission, representatives of the Ministry of Basic and Secondary Education, Education District officials, school principals, teachers, mentors, participating students, implementing partners and members of the media.

The Lagos Clean Energy Schools Innovation Challenge 2026 is expected to provide participating students with practical exposure to clean-energy concepts while strengthening their skills in innovation, creativity, teamwork and problem-solving.

The initiative represents a collaborative effort between the energy and education sectors to nurture young talent and develop a pipeline of future professionals, entrepreneurs, researchers, and innovators capable of contributing to the evolving energy landscape of Lagos State and Nigeria.