The Lagos State Government has launched the Lagos Clean Energy Schools Innovation Challenge (LCESIC) 2026, a programme designed to encourage clean-energy innovation, STEM education and practical problem-solving among secondary school students in the state.
The challenge was launched by the Ministry of Energy and Mineral Resources at the ASSBIFI Event Centre, ASSBIFI Road, C.B.D., Alausa, Ikeja, with government officials and stakeholders from the energy and education sectors in attendance.
Ogunleye: It is more than a school competition
Speaking at the event, the Commissioner for Energy and Mineral Resources, Biodun Ogunleye, said the programme was designed to prepare young people for the changing energy sector.
Ogunleye said Lagos needs to invest in young people who will design, build, regulate and manage the energy systems of the future.
He said the challenge would give students an opportunity to identify energy-related problems, develop ideas and test possible solutions using their knowledge and creativity.
“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,” the Commissioner said.
According to him, the challenge will focus on solar energy and photovoltaics, energy efficiency and conservation, biogas and Waste-to-Energy, and wind and Hybrid Energy Systems.
Ogunleye said exposing students to innovation and practical problem-solving from an early stage would help Lagos develop the human capacity needed for the changing energy sector.
He also encouraged the students to remain curious, work together, test their ideas and learn from setbacks.
SS1, SS2 students to participate
Earlier, the Permanent Secretary of the Ministry, Engr. Mrs. Ibilola Kasunmu, described the challenge as an investment in young people and the future of the energy sector.
Kasunmu said the maiden edition would involve eligible SS1 and SS2 students from Education Districts I, II and III, who would develop solutions under the four thematic areas.
She said the competition would move from the district level to the state level and eventually the championship.
According to her, the programme is in line with the Lagos State Government’s focus on youth development, STEM education, innovation and sustainability under the THEMES Plus Development Agenda.
Kasunmu acknowledged the support of Governor Babajide Olusola Sanwo-Olu and Commissioner Biodun Ogunleye in initiatives focused on young people.
She also commended the Ministry of Basic and Secondary Education, Education Districts, school principals, teachers, mentors and implementing partners, including Dr. Yetty Ogunnubi, founder of YD Company, for their contributions to the programme.
Education Ministry backs initiative
In her goodwill message, the representative of the Permanent Secretary, Ministry of Basic and Secondary Education, Mrs. Adumasi Bosede, described LCESIC as an initiative that would allow students to apply what they learn in the classroom to real-life problems.
She stressed the need for government institutions, schools, teachers, industry partners and other stakeholders to work together in developing young people’s talents.
Adumasi encouraged the students to approach the challenge with curiosity and an open mind, saying meaningful innovation begins with identifying a genuine need and finding a suitable solution.
The launch was attended by officials of the Lagos State Ministry of Energy and Mineral Resources, Lagos State Electrification Agency (LSEA), Lagos State Electricity Regulatory Commission (LASERC), Ministry of Basic and Secondary Education, Education Districts, schools, teachers, mentors, implementing partners and members of the media.
The LCESIC 2026 is expected to expose participating students to clean-energy concepts while helping them develop skills in innovation, creativity, teamwork and problem-solving.
The Ministry called on participating schools, teachers, mentors, partners and students to support the successful implementation of the programme.
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