Five students from the Federal Government College, Vandeikya, in Benue State, Nigeria, have achieved a remarkable milestone by securing a spot to represent Nigeria, as the only country in the African Continent to participate at the prestigious “2024 Asia Pacific Open Championship.”
The competition, set to take place from August 2nd to 4th at the Hong Kong Convention and Exhibition Centre, Wan Chai District, Hong Kong, China, is organized by FIRST LEGO League Education, USA, and hosted by the Hong Kong Education Bureau alongside China FLL partners.
The students, members of the Robotic & Artificial Intelligence Club, also known as The Vande Coders, showcased exceptional skills at the regional level competition, including North Central, North East, and North West regions, was organized by the Coderina Educational Technology Foundation in collaboration with the Federal Ministry of Education in Kaduna State.
The Vande Coders secured the 2nd position, propelling them to the national level competition held at the M.K.O Abiola International Stadium in Abuja, where they achieved 3rd place and won three trophies in different categories. This success qualified them for the international competition in Hong Kong.
The students representing Benue State and Nigeria are:
1. Leva Terkuma Cephas – SS 3B
2. Gundu Msendo Faustina – SS 3A
3. Okom Linus Okom – SS 2A
4. Alem Solomon Vershima – SS 2A
5. Onmeh Sonia Ehi – SS 1A
The team’s achievements have been made possible through the sponsorship of the Benue State Government. The team is led by coach Mr. Echono Boniface Echehoyi and Principal/Head Teacher, Dr. Sende Jennifer Soohemba.
Their participation in the 2024 Asia Pacific Open Championship is not only a demonstration to their hard work and dedication but also highlights the importance of promoting STEM education in Nigeria.
The Benue State Government under the pragmatic leadership of His Excellency, Rev. Fr. Dr. Hyacinth Iormem Alia is committed to nurturing young talent and positioning Nigeria on the global stage in the fields of robotics and artificial intelligence.
