The Lagos State Ministry of Energy and Mineral Resources has announced the commencement of registration for the maiden edition of the Lagos Cleaner Energy Schools Innovation Challenge (LCESIC) 2026, an initiative aimed at nurturing young innovators in clean energy.
Eko Hot News reports that the programme is designed to inspire secondary school students to develop practical solutions to energy challenges while promoting innovation, sustainability, and youth empowerment across Lagos State.
The Commissioner for Energy and Mineral Resources, Mr. Biodun Ogunleye, described the initiative as a strategic investment in the future of Lagos and its next generation of innovators.
According to the commissioner, the future of sustainable energy depends not only on infrastructure but also on developing young people with the skills and creativity to drive innovation.
He said the challenge will encourage students to think critically, solve real-life problems, and create ideas that can contribute to the future of clean energy in Lagos and Nigeria.
Ogunleye noted that the Lagos State Government is committed to supporting innovative ideas from the classroom through to practical implementation.
He explained that the initiative is intended to build an innovation ecosystem where students understand that their ideas have value and can make meaningful contributions to society.
The competition is open to eligible Senior Secondary School One (SS1) and Senior Secondary School Two (SS2) students in Education Districts I, II, and III.
Participating schools are expected to form teams made up of five students, one supervising teacher, and one mentor.
Each team will develop practical clean energy solutions within designated technical categories before presenting their projects during district-level competitions.
Successful teams will advance to the state championship, where they will compete for top honours and recognition.
The commissioner said the initiative reflects the ministry’s determination to discover and nurture young talents capable of addressing Nigeria’s energy needs through innovation.
He added that the programme will also strengthen collaboration, teamwork, creativity, and problem-solving skills among participating students.
According to Ogunleye, empowering young people through science and technology education remains essential to achieving long-term sustainable development.
The challenge aligns with the Lagos State Government’s THEMES+ Development Agenda, particularly its focus on education, innovation, and economic growth.
It also supports the promotion of Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics (STEM) education in public and private secondary schools.
The ministry believes that increasing students’ participation in STEM-related activities will prepare them for future careers in emerging industries.
Officials said the initiative is expected to stimulate greater interest in renewable energy technologies and environmentally friendly solutions.
The programme also seeks to position Lagos as Nigeria’s leading centre for clean energy innovation and technological advancement.
Schools across the eligible education districts have been encouraged to begin preparations by constituting their teams and appointing supervising teachers and mentors.
The ministry urged school administrators to ensure interested students complete their registration through the official application portal within the stipulated period.
Education stakeholders have welcomed the initiative, describing it as an opportunity to bridge classroom learning with practical innovation.
They believe the competition will expose students to real-world challenges while encouraging them to develop sustainable solutions.
Industry experts also note that early exposure to innovation competitions can inspire future entrepreneurs, engineers, researchers, and technology leaders.
The Lagos State Government has continued to introduce programmes that promote youth development, digital skills, and innovation as part of its long-term economic strategy.
Officials believe empowering students with practical knowledge and creative thinking will strengthen the state’s competitiveness in the global knowledge economy.
The ministry reaffirmed its commitment to supporting initiatives that prepare young people for future opportunities while advancing environmental sustainability.
As registration begins for the maiden edition of the Lagos Cleaner Energy Schools Innovation Challenge, students, teachers, and schools are expected to play an active role in shaping innovative solutions that contribute to a cleaner, smarter, and more sustainable Lagos.
