11 students of Queen’s College in Lagos State are set to represent Nigeria at the First Lego League (FLL) Asia Pacific Open Championship in Sydney, Australia.

The students, on Monday, left Nigeria for Sydney, where they would participate in a robotics challenge from June 29.

The students had, in 2021, clinched the first position in the Robotics National Competition which qualified them to represent Nigeria in Greece for the FLL championship

However, they could not make it to Greece because of COVID-19 restrictions in Greece then.

The students had, also in 2022, secured the 2nd runner-up position in the Robotics National Competition which qualified them to represent the country in Brazil for the same championship, but they could not go.

Speaking on the development, the Director/Principal of the college, Onyindamola Obabori, described the performances as outstanding.

Obabori said: “The girls are leaving under the aegis of Queen’s College Team Aurora, a leading advocate for promoting diversity and excellence in STEM education.

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“The innovative approach of the girls to robotics and their ability to adapt to changing circumstances truly set them apart from their peers.

“I expect that these girls will come back with at least one award. This is to know that we mean business here, in Queen’s College.”

The principal further expressed satisfaction at the qualification, saying: “This development is giving me great feelings. I am excited.

“This is because the girls had qualified for the competition in Greece and Brazil, but due to one reason or the other, funds constraints especially, they could not attend.”

The principal added that the students would also compete in cultural displays at the event.

Obabori, therefore, called on other stakeholders to join hands with governments in supporting and promoting science and technology.

The Head of the delegation, Temitayo  Okunoren-Makindipe, who is the Second Vice President of Queen’s College Old Girls Association, said about 50 teams drawn from various parts of the world, including Korea, America, and Japan, are expected to participate at the championship.

She said 10 of the Queen’s College students would actively participate at the championship, while one would observe.

The Star