By Peter Emmanuel |
The Lagos State Government has launched the Lagos Clean Energy Schools Innovation Challenge (LCESIC) 2026 to promote clean-energy innovation, STEM education, creativity and practical problem-solving among secondary school students across the state.
The initiative, launched by the Ministry of Energy and Mineral Resources at the ASSBIFI Event Centre in Alausa, Ikeja, is designed to expose young people to real-world energy challenges and encourage them to develop practical solutions using science, technology and creativity.
Speaking at the launch, the Commissioner for Energy and Mineral Resources, Biodun Ogunleye, described the initiative as an investment in the next generation of clean-energy innovators, saying it goes beyond a conventional school competition.
Ogunleye said the changing global energy landscape requires deliberate investment in young people who will design, build, regulate, manage and lead the energy systems of the future.
He said the programme would provide students with a structured platform to identify energy challenges, develop ideas, test solutions and apply their scientific knowledge to practical problems.
The Commissioner said the initiative reflects the need for Lagos, as Nigeria’s economic and innovation hub, to develop the human capacity required to participate meaningfully in the transformation of the energy sector.
Lagos Engages SS1, SS2 Students Across Three Education Districts
The Permanent Secretary of the Ministry of Energy and Mineral Resources, Ibilola Kasunmu, said the maiden edition of LCESIC is targeted at eligible Senior Secondary School One (SS1) and Senior Secondary School Two (SS2) students from Education Districts I, II and III.
Kasunmu described the initiative as an investment in young people and the future of the energy sector, noting that the challenges facing Lagos and the wider world require young people who can think critically, embrace technology and develop sustainable solutions.
She said participating students would compete initially at the district level before progressing to the State-level competition and ultimately the championship.
The Permanent Secretary explained that the initiative aligns with the Lagos State Government’s commitment to youth development, STEM education, innovation and sustainability under the THEMES Plus Development Agenda.
The challenge focuses on four thematic areas: solar energy and photovoltaics; energy efficiency and conservation; biogas and waste-to-energy; and wind and hybrid energy systems.
Kasunmu acknowledged the support of the Lagos State Government leadership and commended the Ministry of Basic and Secondary Education, Education Districts, school principals, teachers, mentors and implementing partners for their contributions to the programme.
She particularly recognised Dr Yetty Ogunnubi, founder of YD Company, for her contribution to the development and implementation of the initiative.
Government Seeks Early Exposure to Clean Energy, STEM Innovation
Ogunleye encouraged participating students to remain curious, work collaboratively, test their ideas and learn from setbacks, stressing that the programme is intended to develop problem-solving abilities rather than simply produce a winning project.
He said the objective is to nurture young people capable of identifying challenges and working systematically towards practical solutions that can contribute to the development of the energy sector.
In a goodwill message, the representative of the Permanent Secretary, Ministry of Basic and Secondary Education, Adumasi Bosede, described LCESIC as a laudable initiative that would give students opportunities to apply classroom knowledge to real-world challenges.
Adumasi stressed the importance of collaboration among government institutions, schools, teachers, industry partners and other stakeholders in developing the talents and capabilities of young people.
She encouraged the participating students to approach the initiative with enthusiasm, curiosity and an open mind, noting that meaningful innovation begins with identifying a genuine need and developing an appropriate solution.
The launch brought together officials of the Ministry of Energy and Mineral Resources, the Lagos State Electrification Agency, the Lagos State Electricity Regulatory Commission, the Ministry of Basic and Secondary Education, Education District officials, school principals, teachers, mentors, students, implementing partners and members of the media.
The participation of stakeholders from the energy and education sectors underscored the collaborative approach behind the programme and the importance of equipping young Lagosians with knowledge, skills and practical experience in clean-energy innovation.
The ministry also recognised the teachers accompanying participating students, acknowledging their role in mentoring the students and supporting their development throughout the programme.
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 ministry called on participating schools, teachers, mentors, partners and students to embrace the initiative and contribute to its successful implementation.
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