By Peter Omopo
August 31, 2025
The Nigerian Content Development and Monitoring Board (NCDMB) has sponsored a robotics training programme aimed at equipping secondary school students with practical skills in science, technology, engineering, and mathematics (STEM).
Speaking at the closing ceremony, the Chief Executive Officer of Phoenix Girls and Tech Foundation, Dr. Elizabeth Eterigho, said the initiative was more than just a learning exercise, describing robotics as a gateway to innovation and critical thinking required for the 21st-century workforce.
“Over the past four months, we have embarked on an inspiring journey of discovery, innovation, and empowerment,” she said.
“Teachers and students from various secondary schools have come together not only to learn the fundamentals of robotics, programming, and applied STEM, but to envision a future where knowledge translates into skills, and skills translate into solutions.”
She added that the prototypes showcased by participants reflected creativity, teamwork, and determination, stressing that the programme had demonstrated the capacity of young Nigerians to design and deliver solutions when given the right opportunities.
Eterigho commended NCDMB for its sponsorship, noting that the partnership was laying the foundation for a skills-driven and inclusive economy.
Also speaking, NCDMB representative, Mr. Weyinmi Ebiyon, said the training was designed to raise the quality of education in the country. He praised the facilitators and urged students to put their newly acquired knowledge to practical use.
On her part, Mrs. Rose Ezewu, Delta State Commissioner for Basic and Secondary Education, applauded the initiative and assured that the state government would key into the programme to improve STEM education for students.
At the competition, Ozolua Grammar School, Ologbo (Edo State) emerged winner, while Iwere Secondary School, Koko (Delta State) and Nana Model College, Warri (Delta State) came second and third respectively.
Other participating schools included Community Secondary School, Kalio-Ama Okrika and CSS Rumuoro Ogbakiri Emuoha (Rivers State); Ajoki Secondary School, Ajoki (Edo State); Okotie Eboh Grammar School, Sapele (Delta State); and CSS Okutukutu/Etegwe and Epie National High School Kpansia (Bayelsa State).
Speaking on the sidelines, Mr. Okoh Isaac, a teacher from Ozolua Grammar School, expressed joy over his school’s victory, commending the organisers and calling for more government investment in technology-driven education.
