Inclusion of robotics in school curriculum imperative — Ikorodu students
Ikorodu students have demanded that the Lagos state government include robotic science in the school curriculum.
The students said this after participating in the robotics competition organised in the Ikorodu division of the state as part of the inauguration activities for the second term of Governor Sanwo-Olu, coming up on May 29, 2023.
The students maintained that the inclusion will develop further technology set skills of the younger population.
They expressed confidence that investment in this ecosystem would build the science and technology space of the state and Nigeria at large.
Speaking at the occasion, a representative of the CMS Girls Senior Grammar school, Ikorodu, Joe Halimat, said that it became imperative for government to give priority to robotics studies in schools as they do to Sports and Entertainment.
Halimat, whose school came second in the competition, explained that building a robot for traffic management had taught her perseverance and tolerance, which had changed her way of life.
At the end of the competition, Eva-Adelaja Girls Junior Secondary School, Bariga, came first with the cash prize of N100,000, while CMS Grammar School Girls Senior came 2nd with N50,000 compensation.
Igbokuta Community Senior Model College, which came third, received won N30,000 prize.
The Head of Department, Co-curriculum for Science and Technology, Education District 2, Amaka Oto, in her remark, enjoined the students to brace up with technological advancement and acquire more knowledge in line with the THEMES agenda of the Governor Sanwo-Olu administration.
About six schools from Education District 2 participated in the robotics science competition, which was held simultaneously in the six Education Districts of Lagos State, including Ikorodu, Lagos Island, Ikeja, Epe, and others.
The Robotics Competition
Lagos state government on Sunday kicked off the inauguration of Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu and his deputy, Dr. Obafemi Hamzat, for a second term in office with a youth carnival and robotic competition.
The two events were held simultaneously across the five divisions of the state: Ikorodu, Badagry, Ikeja, Lagos Island and Epe.
Residents gathered in their thousands to celebrate the Babajide Sanwo-Olu administration.
The events were held simultaneously at JJT Park, Alausa, Ikeja; Badagry Grammar School, Badagry; Ikorodu Town Hall Premises, Ikorodu; Muri Okunola Park, Victoria Island, Lagos Island and Epe Recreation Centre, Epe, were parts of the 11-day programme lined up to celebrate Sanwo-Olu and Hamzat, who have performed excellently in office in the first term, with the promise of improved performance to effectively achieve ‘A Greater Lagos Rising.’
Governor Sanwo-Olu was represented in the five divisions by top government officials.
Speaking at the event in Ikeja, Lagos State Commissioner for Education, Mrs. Folasade Adefisayo, who represented Governor Sanwo-Olu, said the governor deserves a second term in office to enable ‘A Greater Lagos Rising’ agenda.
She said, “The robotic competition among students was part of the feats achieved in education during the first term of Governor Sanwo-Olu.” She added that Lagosians should expect more when the second term takes off on May 29.
Also speaking, the Chairman of Somolu Local Government Area, Hon. Abdulhamid Salawu, commended Governor Sanwo-Olu for empowering the youth.
“We can all see what Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu did during his first term, which is about to end and we are preparing for the inauguration of another term.
“The youth are happy with Governor Sanwo-Olu because they felt his impact during his first term and we believe he is going to do more for youth in his second term,” he said.
The council boss also urged the youth in to remain focused on achieving their goals.
Some of the Students who took part in the Robotic competition at JJT Park Ikeja said they used their robots to showcase emergency response services on hospital incidents and traffic related issues.
Speaking at the event held at Muri Okunola Park, Governor Sanwo-Olu, who was represented by the Permanent Secretary, of the Public Service Office, Mrs. Sunkanmi Oyegbola, said the event was to appreciate the youth for their support during the last gubernatorial poll and for them to embrace artificial intelligence for development which they did through the robotic display.
He advised the youth to shun violence and drug abuse and do things that would ensure the rising of greater Lagos.
Also speaking, the Chairman of Iru/Victoria Island Local Council Development Area, Princess Rashidat Adu, said Governor Sanwo-Olu’s administration had so far embarked on inclusive governance especially on youth-related issues, which had led to his re-election with his deputy, Dr. Obafemi Hamzat for a second term.
She said a lot of talents had been displayed at the robotic competition. She assured the youth that more programmes that would be of benefit to them would be embarked upon by the administration.
Faces of students at the events
