The Lagos State Government, through the Ministry of Energy and Mineral Resources, has launched the Lagos Clean Energy Schools Innovation Challenge (LCESIC) 2026, an initiative aimed at promoting clean-energy innovation, STEM education, creativity and practical problem-solving among secondary school students across the state.
The initiative was launched recently at the ASSBIFI Event Centre, ASSBIFI Road, Central Business District, Alausa, Ikeja, with government officials and stakeholders from the energy and education sectors in attendance.
Speaking at the event, the Commissioner for Energy and Mineral Resources, Biodun Ogunleye, described the initiative as an investment in the next generation of clean-energy innovators, stressing that it goes beyond a conventional school competition.
Ogunleye said the rapidly changing global energy landscape requires deliberate investment in young people who will design, build, regulate, manage and lead the energy systems of the future.
He explained that LCESIC provides 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 will focus on four thematic areas: solar energy and photovoltaics; energy efficiency and conservation; biogas and waste-to-energy; and wind and hybrid energy systems.
The commissioner 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 added that such capacity building must begin early by exposing students to innovation, technology and practical problem-solving.
Ogunleye urged participating students to remain curious, work collaboratively, test their ideas and learn from setbacks, stressing that the objective was not merely to produce a winning project but to develop a generation capable of identifying challenges and working systematically towards practical solutions.
He reaffirmed the ministry’s commitment to strengthening collaboration with the education sector, schools, private-sector partners, mentors and other stakeholders to create opportunities for young people to learn, innovate and contribute to the development of Lagos State.
Earlier, the Permanent Secretary, Ministry of Energy and Mineral Resources, Engr. Mrs. Ibilola Kasunmu, described the initiative as an investment in young people and the future of the energy sector.
Kasunmu said the energy challenges facing Lagos State and the wider world require young people who can think critically, embrace technology and develop practical and sustainable solutions.
She explained that the maiden edition of LCESIC brings together eligible Senior Secondary School One (SS1) and Senior Secondary School Two (SS2) students from Education Districts I, II and III to develop innovative solutions across the four thematic areas.
According to her, participating students will progress from district-level competitions to the state-level competition and ultimately the championship.
She noted that the programme aligns with the Lagos State Government’s commitment to youth development, STEM education, innovation and sustainability under the THEMES Plus Development Agenda.
Kasunmu acknowledged the support and leadership of the Lagos State Governor, Babajide Olusola Sanwo-Olu, and Commissioner Ogunleye in advancing initiatives focused on investing in the future of young people.
She also 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 provide students with opportunities to apply classroom knowledge to real-world challenges.
Adumasi emphasised the importance of collaboration among government institutions, schools, teachers, industry partners and other stakeholders in nurturing the talents and capabilities of young people.
She encouraged the participating students to approach the challenge with enthusiasm, curiosity and an open mind, stressing that meaningful innovation begins with identifying a genuine need and developing an appropriate solution.
The launch was attended by senior government officials and stakeholders from the energy and education sectors, including officials of the Ministry of Energy and Mineral Resources, the General Manager of the Lagos State Electrification Agency (LSEA), the Chief Executive Officer of the 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 participation of stakeholders from both sectors underscored the importance of collaboration in equipping young Lagosians with the knowledge, skills and practical experience required to contribute to the future of the energy sector.
The event also provided an opportunity to recognise teachers accompanying the participating students, whose dedication and mentorship remain critical to nurturing innovation and developing students’ skills.
The Lagos Clean Energy Schools Innovation Challenge 2026 is expected to provide participating students with practical exposure to clean-energy concepts while strengthening their skills in innovation, creativity, teamwork and problem-solving.
The initiative represents a collaborative effort between the energy and education sectors to nurture young talent and develop a pipeline of future professionals, entrepreneurs, researchers and innovators capable of contributing to the evolving energy landscape of Lagos State and Nigeria.
The Ministry subsequently called on participating schools, teachers, mentors, partners and students to embrace the initiative and contribute to its successful implementation.