Lagos launches clean energy innovation challenge for schools

By Adebola Muili

The Lagos State Government has launched the Lagos Clean Energy Schools Innovation Challenge (LCESIC) 2026, aimed at promoting clean-energy innovation, STEM education, creativity and practical problem-solving among secondary school students across the State.

The initiative was launched on Wednesday at the ASSBIFI Event Centre, Plot 5, ASSBIFI Road, Central Business District, Alausa, Ikeja, according to a press statement signed and made available to journalists on Thursday by Mrs. Adetola Idowu, Director, Public Affairs Unit, Lagos State Ministry of Energy and Mineral Resources.

Speaking at the event, the Commissioner for Energy and Mineral Resources, Mr. Biodun Ogunleye, described the initiative as an investment in the next generation of clean-energy innovators, stressing that it was designed to go beyond a conventional school competition.

Ogunleye said the rapidly changing global energy landscape required deliberate investment in young people who would design, build, regulate, manage and lead the energy systems of the future.

He said the challenge would provide students with a structured platform to identify real-world energy challenges, develop ideas, test solutions and apply scientific knowledge and creativity to practical problems.

“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 would focus on four thematic areas: Solar Energy and Photovoltaics; Energy Efficiency and Conservation; Biogas and Waste-to-Energy; and Wind and Hybrid Energy Systems.

Ogunleye noted that Lagos, as Nigeria’s economic and innovation hub, must continue to develop the human capacity required to participate meaningfully in the transformation of the energy sector.

He encouraged participating students to remain curious, work collaboratively, test their ideas and learn from setbacks, stressing that the objective was not only to produce a winning project but to develop a generation capable of identifying challenges and working systematically towards practical solutions.

Earlier, the Permanent Secretary, Ministry of Energy and Mineral Resources, Engr. Mrs. Ibilola Kasunmu, described LCESIC as an investment in young people and the future of the energy sector.

Kasunmu said the maiden edition would bring together eligible Senior Secondary School One (SS1) and Senior Secondary School Two (SS2) students from Education Districts 1, 2 and 3 to develop innovative solutions across the four thematic areas.

She explained that participating students would progress from district-level competitions to the State-level competition and ultimately the championship.

The Permanent Secretary said the programme aligned with the Lagos State Government’s commitment to youth development, STEM education, innovation and sustainability under the THEMES+ Development Agenda.

Kasunmu commended the Ministry of Basic and Secondary Education, Education Districts, school principals, teachers, mentors and implementing partners, particularly Dr. Yetty Ogunnubi, founder of YD Company, for their contributions to the development and implementation of the initiative.

In her goodwill message, the representative of the Permanent Secretary, Ministry of Basic and Secondary Education, Mrs. Adumasi Bosede, described LCESIC as a laudable initiative that would enable students to apply classroom knowledge to real-world challenges.

She stressed the importance of collaboration among government institutions, schools, teachers, industry partners and other stakeholders in nurturing the talents and capabilities of young people.

The launch was attended by officials of the Ministry of Energy and Mineral Resources, the General Manager, Lagos State Electrification Agency (LSEA), the Chief Executive Officer, Lagos State Electricity Regulatory Commission (LASERC), representatives of the Ministry of Basic and Secondary Education, Education District officials, school principals, teachers, mentors, participating students, implementing partners and members of the media.

The Ministry said the challenge would provide participating students with practical exposure to clean-energy concepts while strengthening their skills in innovation, creativity, teamwork and problem-solving.

It added that the initiative would help develop a pipeline of future professionals, entrepreneurs, researchers and innovators capable of contributing to the evolving energy landscape of Lagos State and Nigeria.