The Lagos State Government, through the Ministry of Energy and Mineral Resources, 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.
The initiative was unveiled recently at the ASSBIFI Event Centre, Alausa, Ikeja, with government officials and stakeholders from the energy and education sectors in attendance.
Speaking at the launch, the Commissioner for Energy and Mineral Resources, Mr. Biodun Ogunleye, described the challenge as an investment in developing the next generation of clean-energy innovators. He said the programme was designed to expose young people to real-world energy challenges and provide them with opportunities to develop, test and improve practical solutions using science and technology.
Ogunleye said the rapidly changing global energy landscape required deliberate investment in young people who would contribute to the design, management, regulation and development of future energy systems. He noted that the initiative goes beyond a conventional school competition by encouraging students to identify problems, ask questions, collaborate and apply their knowledge to practical challenges.
The Commissioner disclosed that 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.
He stressed that Lagos, as Nigeria’s economic and innovation hub, needed to develop the human capacity required to participate effectively in the transformation of the energy sector. He therefore encouraged participating students to remain curious, work together, test their ideas and learn from setbacks.
Earlier, the Permanent Secretary of the Ministry, Engr. Mrs. Ibilola Kasunmu, said the initiative was designed to prepare young people to contribute to solving present and future energy challenges through critical thinking, technology and innovation.
Kasunmu explained that the maiden edition would involve eligible Senior Secondary School One and Two students from Education Districts I, II and III. She said participants would progress from district-level competitions to the state-level competition and ultimately the championship.
According to her, LCESIC aligns with the Lagos State Government’s youth development, STEM education, innovation and sustainability priorities under the THEMES Plus Development Agenda.
The Permanent Secretary acknowledged the support of Governor Babajide Olusola Sanwo-Olu and Commissioner Biodun Ogunleye, while commending the Ministry of Basic and Secondary Education, Education Districts, school principals, teachers, mentors and implementing partners for their contributions to the initiative.
In a goodwill message, the representative of the Permanent Secretary, Ministry of Basic and Secondary Education, Mrs. Adumasi Bosede, described the challenge as an opportunity for students to apply classroom knowledge to real-world problems. She emphasised the importance of collaboration among government institutions, schools, teachers and industry stakeholders in developing the capabilities of young people.
The launch attracted senior officials from the Ministry of Energy and Mineral Resources, Lagos State Electrification Agency, Lagos State Electricity Regulatory Commission, Ministry of Basic and Secondary Education, Education Districts, schools, mentors, implementing partners and the media.
The initiative is expected to give participating students practical exposure to clean-energy technologies while strengthening their skills in creativity, teamwork, innovation and problem-solving.
Through the challenge, the Lagos State Government aims to develop a pipeline of young professionals, entrepreneurs, researchers and innovators capable of contributing to the evolving energy sector in Lagos State and Nigeria.
