Lagos Cleaner Energy Schools Challenge opens registration for SS1 and SS2 students to develop innovative clean energy solutions across the state

The Lagos State Government has opened registration for the inaugural Lagos Cleaner Energy Schools Challenge (LCESIC) 2026, inviting secondary school students to design innovative clean energy solutions as part of efforts to strengthen science education and prepare a new generation of energy innovators.

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The initiative, introduced by the Lagos State Ministry of Energy and Mineral Resources, is aimed at encouraging creativity, deepening Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics (STEM) education and equipping students with practical skills to tackle emerging energy and sustainability challenges.

The programme builds on consultations the ministry held earlier this year with education, energy and development stakeholders on the design of the challenge.

Announcing the competition, the Commissioner for Energy and Mineral Resources, Biodun Ogunleye, described the programme as a long-term investment in Lagos’ future and a reflection of the government’s commitment to youth development, innovation and sustainable growth.

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

Through the Lagos Cleaner Energy Schools 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,” Ogunleye said.

He added that the government’s vision is to create an innovation ecosystem where young people recognise that their ideas have value and receive support to transform classroom concepts into real-world solutions.

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 comprising five students, a supervising teacher and a mentor. Each team will develop practical clean energy solutions within designated technical tracks before competing at district-level contests, with successful entries advancing to the state championship.

Ogunleye said the initiative underscores the ministry’s determination to identify and nurture talented young people capable of developing practical responses to Nigeria’s energy challenges while promoting collaboration, creativity and critical thinking among students.

According to him, the programme is aligned with the Lagos State Government’s THEMES+ Agenda by strengthening STEM education, advancing youth empowerment, promoting clean energy innovation and reinforcing Lagos’ position as Nigeria’s leading hub for technology and innovation.

The ministry encouraged eligible secondary schools to register by constituting their teams and appointing supervising teachers and mentors through the official application portal.

Interested schools have been advised to visit the Lagos State Government website for eligibility requirements, competition guidelines and registration details.

The initiative complements Lagos State’s broader strategy of integrating innovation, sustainability and practical STEM learning into secondary education.

In recent years, the state has expanded programmes that encourage students to develop technology-driven solutions to environmental and societal challenges, including innovation competitions focused on climate action, recycling and green technologies.

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By placing clean energy innovation at the centre of classroom learning, the government hopes to inspire students to become future engineers, scientists and entrepreneurs capable of supporting Nigeria’s transition to a more sustainable energy future.