Students of Bishop Dimeari Grammar School (BDGS) have emerged second runners-up at the National Young Engineers and Future Leaders Secondary Schools Competition held in Ibadan, Oyo State.
The feat has been attributed to the Bayelsa State Education Development Trust Fund (EDTF)’s investment in Coding and Robotics.
Two BDGS students, Charis Gabriel and Fetongha Wilberforce, both in SS2, impressed the audience with their Coding and Robotics project titled ‘Flood Detective and Emergency Response’.
Speaking on Tuesday in Yenagoa on behalf of the robotics team, Gabriel and the ICT tutor, Arnold Ayebadieye, expressed their gratitude to the EDTF for the opportunity. They noted that the introduction of coding and robotics in secondary schools paved the way for their outstanding performance.
Commenting on the various interventions by the EDTF in the school, the Principal of BDGS, Mrs. Beauty Asamawei, lauded the Fund for its support and for sponsoring the students’ participation in the national science competition.
“My boys travelled to Ibadan for the contest under the sponsorship of the EDTF and brought laurels and joy to all of us. The support is highly appreciated and commendable,” she said.
Receiving the Principal, teachers, and students of the BDGS robotics team in his office, the Executive Secretary of EDTF, Prof. Ebimieowei Etebu, said the students had made the State proud and justified the Fund’s investment in Coding and Robotics for schools. He described their achievement as a signal of hope for young scientists who will develop solutions to challenges in their environment.
The competition began at the state level, with all model and some private schools participating. BDGS emerged as the winner to represent Bayelsa State at the regional level.
At the finals held at the University of Ibadan campus, Shalom Science and Technical College, Enugu emerged overall winners, Kings College, Lagos clinched second place, while BDGS secured third.
BDGS received a cash prize of ₦350,000 (Three Hundred and Fifty Thousand Naira).
