Lagos Govt Seeks Student-led Solutions To Energy Challenges With New Competition

The Lagos State Ministry of Energy and Mineral Resources has commenced registration for the maiden edition of the Lagos Cleaner Energy Schools Innovation Challenge (LCESIC) 2026, inviting secondary school students to develop innovative solutions to Nigeria’s energy challenges.

The initiative is designed to inspire and equip the next generation of energy innovators while promoting creativity, critical thinking and practical problem-solving among young people across the state.

Speaking on the programme, the Commissioner for Energy and Mineral Resources, Mr. Biodun Ogunleye, described the challenge as a strategic investment in the future of Lagos and a reflection of the state’s commitment to youth empowerment, innovation and sustainable development.

According to him, “The future of sustainable energy depends not only on infrastructure but, more importantly, on people.

Through the Lagos Cleaner Energy Schools Innovation Challenge, we are investing in the next generation of innovators by nurturing creativity, inspiring critical thinking and empowering students to develop practical solutions that will shape the future of energy in Lagos State and beyond.”

He added: “Our vision is to build an innovation ecosystem where students understand that their ideas matter and that government is committed to supporting innovation from the classroom to real-world impact.”

The Commissioner noted that the initiative underscores the Ministry’s determination to nurture young talents capable of providing practical solutions to the country’s energy challenges while encouraging collaboration, innovation and scientific inquiry among secondary school students.

The competition is open to eligible Senior Secondary School One (SS1) and Senior Secondary School Two (SS2) students from Education Districts I, II and III. Participating schools are expected to form teams comprising five students, a supervising teacher and a mentor.

The teams will develop practical clean energy solutions within designated technical tracks and compete at district-level contests before qualifying for the State Championship.

The Ministry said the initiative aligns with the Lagos State Government’s THEMES+ Agenda by strengthening Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics (STEM) education, promoting youth development, advancing clean energy innovation and reinforcing Lagos’ position as Nigeria’s leading hub for technological advancement.

Secondary schools across the eligible education districts have been encouraged to constitute their teams, appoint supervising teachers and mentors, and complete their registration through the official application portal.