FCT STUDENTS SHINE AT ICODE COMPETITION IN BEIJING, EARNING PRAISE FOR STEM EXCELLENCE
By: Mary Andeh
Seventeen Nigerian students from four schools in Abuja have proudly represented the country at the international iCode Competition in Beijing, showcasing the creativity, coding skills, technological abilities and innovative thinking of Nigeria’s young generation.
Led by Glisten International Academy, Abuja, the delegation travelled to China to participate in the competition held on Saturday, 22 August 2026. The students competed alongside young participants from other countries, gaining valuable international exposure and demonstrating their capacity to engage confidently in a global technology environment.
The participating schools provided the students with an opportunity to take their classroom learning beyond Nigeria and apply their knowledge in an international setting. Through coding, technology, problem-solving and innovation, the young participants demonstrated how Nigerian schools can nurture students who are prepared to compete on the global stage.
The Nigerian Embassy in Beijing, which was represented at the competition, expressed pride in the students’ performance and conduct. Their participation was described as a reflection of the enormous potential of Nigeria’s youth in Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics (STEM).
Following the competition, the students paid a courtesy visit to the Embassy of the Federal Republic of Nigeria in Beijing, where Nigeria’s Ambassador to China, Lt Gen Ambassador Abdulrahman Dambazau, received the delegation.
Ambassador Dambazau congratulated the students and commended the schools, teachers and accompanying team for providing the young Nigerians with the opportunity to participate in the international competition.
He particularly praised the Executive Director of Glisten International Academy, Engr. Abba Abdullahi Saidu, for his leadership and commitment to creating opportunities through which Nigerian students can gain international exposure and experience China’s advanced technological and educational environment.
The Ambassador reminded the students that their achievement was about more than competition results. He urged them to combine academic excellence with discipline, responsibility, respect and good character.
“Learning and character must always go together.”
He also encouraged the students to see themselves as young ambassadors of Nigeria, stressing that their conduct abroad should reflect the values, aspirations and dignity of the Nigerian people.
For the students, the Beijing experience offered more than participation in a technology competition. It provided an opportunity to interact with young people from different countries, encounter new ideas and cultures, and gain a broader understanding of how technology and innovation are shaping the future.
Ambassador Dambazau stressed that such opportunities should be expanded to reach more Nigerian children, particularly students in public schools across the 36 states of the Federation. He called for greater participation of Nigerian schools in international competitions, educational exchanges, technology programmes and other initiatives that expose young people to global knowledge and innovation.
The success of the Abuja delegation also highlights the important role schools play in preparing students for a rapidly changing world. By investing in coding, digital skills, creativity, problem-solving and innovation, Nigerian schools can equip young people with the capabilities required to contribute meaningfully to the country’s development.
The Embassy congratulated the 17 students for their commendable representation of Nigeria and celebrated their courage, creativity, discipline and determination.
