Girls in STEM Trust Director Hails Nigeria’s Robotics, AI Leadership

The Executive Director of Girls in STEM Trust, Ms Victoria Nxumalo, has commended Nigeria for its leadership in advancing education across Africa.

Speaking on Thursday at the launch of the 2025 World Robotics Olympiad (WRO) at the Muson Centre, Lagos Island, Nxumalo praised Nigeria’s commitment to integrating robotics into its education system.

The 2025 WRO Nigeria/Africa event, organised by the non-governmental organisation Arc Lights Foundation, focused on the theme “The Future of Robots, Robotics STEM, and the Nigerian Curriculum” a vision Nxumalo said aligns with Nigeria’s national development goals.

She highlighted that Nigeria and Zimbabwe are at the forefront of robotics education on the continent, emphasising the need to embed robotics, AI, and digital innovations into school curricula to transform Africa’s technological landscape.

“One of the most important steps is to incorporate robotics education into the curriculum,” Nxumalo stated, noting that doing so would help students understand the role of technology in shaping the world. She explained that such exposure would prepare young innovators to tackle complex technological challenges.

Nxumalo also stressed the importance of encouraging young women and girls to participate in robotics education and STEM fields, as they remain underrepresented. “Providing mentorship, training, and role models will enable young women to compete on global platforms like the World Robotics Olympiad, breaking barriers along the way,” she said.

NITDA’s Commitment to Robotics Development

The Director-General of the National Information Technology Development Agency (NITDA), Mr Kashifu Abdullahi, reaffirmed the agency’s commitment to supporting technological advancements in Nigeria, particularly in robotics.

Represented by Dr Falilat Jimoh, Head of Innovation and Digital Inclusion for NITDA’s South West Zone, Abdullahi noted that robotics is revolutionising industries such as healthcare, manufacturing, agriculture, and logistics, driven by advancements in hardware, software, and AI.

“At NITDA, we recognise robotics as a dynamic field of innovation, collaboration, and digital empowerment that can shape the future,” Abdullahi said, aligning the agency’s vision with President Bola Tinubu’s leadership.

He reiterated NITDA’s dedication to integrating robotics into Nigeria’s digital transformation agenda, fostering national development and equipping the youth with skills in engineering, coding, and AI. Robotics education, he noted, is one of NITDA’s six key focus areas, with investments in research, innovation, and partnerships to expand its reach across Nigeria.

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“We aim to build a robust, inclusive, and sustainable digital economy that benefits every Nigerian,” he added, urging industry leaders and policymakers to embrace the opportunities robotics presents.

Arc Lights Foundation’s Role in Robotics Education

Mrs Abisola Obasanya, Managing Director of Arc Lights Foundation, highlighted the organisation’s achievements in introducing robotics education to over 500 public and private schools nationwide.

She stated that since 2011, Arc Lights has led Nigerian delegations to WRO international events, showcasing Nigerian talent in cities such as Abu Dhabi, Kuala Lumpur, and Sochi.

Obasanya also announced a new initiative for the 2025 WRO, including the formation of the Coaches Association of Nigeria (RoboCAN), which will serve as a platform for cutting-edge innovations in robotics and STEM.

With over 120 schools in attendance, the 2025 WRO Nigeria/Africa reaffirmed Nigeria’s strong commitment to robotics education and technological advancement, positioning the country as a leader in STEM education on the continent.