Beijing, China | Embassy News | Education and Youth Development
The Ambassador of the Federal Republic of Nigeria to the People’s Republic of China, His Excellency Lt. Gen. Abdulrahman Bello Dambazau, CFR (Rtd.), PhD, has commended a delegation of 17 Nigerian students from four schools in Abuja for their impressive participation in the international iCode Competition held in Beijing on Saturday, 22 August 2026.
The Ambassador described their participation as a testament to Nigeria’s immense potential in science, technology, innovation, and human capital development, emphasising the importance of nurturing young talents and providing opportunities for Nigerian students to compete and excel on the global stage.
Nigerian Students Showcase Innovation and Technological Skills
The Nigerian delegation, led by Glisten International Academy, Abuja, comprised 17 students accompanied by five chaperones who travelled to China to participate in the international competition.
Competing alongside students from other countries, the young Nigerians demonstrated creativity, coding proficiency, technological aptitude, problem-solving abilities, and innovative thinking.
The Embassy of Nigeria in Beijing was represented at the competition and expressed pride in the students’ participation, performance, and exemplary conduct.
Their involvement provided an important platform for showcasing the intellectual capabilities and innovative potential of Nigeria’s younger generation while strengthening the country’s visibility in international educational and technological engagements.
The competition also highlighted the growing importance of Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics (STEM) education in preparing young people for an increasingly technology-driven global economy.
Through such international engagements, students gain valuable exposure to emerging technologies, innovative learning environments, and cross-cultural experiences that complement their classroom education.
Ambassador Dambazau Receives Nigerian Delegation at the Embassy
Following the competition, the students and their accompanying officials paid a courtesy visit to the Embassy of the Federal Republic of Nigeria in Beijing, where they were warmly received by Ambassador Dambazau.
During the engagement, the Ambassador congratulated the students on their commendable representation of Nigeria and praised their enthusiasm, creativity, discipline, and determination.
He particularly acknowledged the efforts of Engr. Abba Abdullahi Saidu, Executive Director of Glisten International Academy, alongside the school’s leadership and accompanying team, for facilitating the students’ participation in the international competition.
Ambassador Dambazau noted that initiatives of this nature provide invaluable opportunities for young Nigerians to experience different educational environments, interact with their international peers, and develop a broader understanding of global technological advancements.
He encouraged educational institutions, parents, and relevant stakeholders to continue investing in programmes that expose Nigerian children to international learning opportunities and equip them with the knowledge and confidence required to thrive in a competitive world.
Academic Excellence Must Be Accompanied by Good Character
Addressing the students, Ambassador Dambazau emphasised that academic achievement and technological competence must be complemented by integrity, discipline, responsibility, and respect for others.
He reminded the young Nigerians that representing their country abroad carries responsibilities extending beyond academic performance or winning competitions.
According to the Ambassador, students participating in international programmes also serve as young ambassadors of Nigeria, and their behaviour, values, and interactions contribute to how the country is perceived internationally.
He therefore encouraged them to uphold the dignity of Nigeria through exemplary conduct, mutual respect, and a strong sense of personal responsibility.
“Learning and character must always go together.”
The Ambassador stressed that the true value of education lies not only in the acquisition of knowledge and technical skills but also in developing the character and sound judgement necessary to apply those abilities responsibly and productively.
Expanding STEM Opportunities Beyond the Classroom
Ambassador Dambazau further underscored the importance of broadening educational opportunities for Nigerian children beyond conventional classroom instruction.
He observed that participation in international competitions, technology programmes, educational exchanges, and cultural activities can enhance students’ creativity, critical thinking, adaptability, and confidence.
Such experiences, he noted, are increasingly important in preparing young people for emerging opportunities in artificial intelligence, robotics, software development, engineering, and other technology-driven fields.
The Ambassador also advocated greater inclusion of public schools in international educational and technological initiatives.
He encouraged stakeholders to explore mechanisms that would enable students from public schools across Nigeria’s 36 states to benefit from similar opportunities, stressing that access to global learning experiences should not be restricted to a limited number of institutions.
He reaffirmed the importance of inclusive educational development, noting that Nigeria’s future technological competitiveness will depend on its ability to identify, nurture, and support talented young people from diverse backgrounds.
Investing in Nigeria’s Youth for a Technology-Driven Future
Recognising Nigeria’s youthful population as one of its greatest national assets, Ambassador Dambazau called for sustained investment in STEM education, digital literacy, innovation, creativity, and character development.
He emphasised that equipping young Nigerians with relevant skills and international exposure would strengthen the country’s human capital base and support its long-term economic transformation.
The Ambassador further highlighted the opportunities presented by Nigeria–China cooperation in education, science, technology, and innovation.
He noted the importance of promoting educational exchanges, institutional partnerships, and knowledge-sharing initiatives that enable Nigerian students and educational institutions to benefit from international expertise and technological advancements.
Such engagements contribute to the broader objectives of educational diplomacy and people-to-people cooperation between Nigeria and China.
Embassy Reaffirms Commitment to Educational Diplomacy and Youth Development
The Embassy of the Federal Republic of Nigeria in Beijing congratulates the participating students, Glisten International Academy, the other participating schools, and the accompanying officials for their commendable representation of Nigeria.
Their participation in the iCode Competition demonstrates the remarkable abilities of Nigerian youth and reinforces the importance of creating opportunities for young people to develop their talents and compete confidently on the international stage.
The Embassy remains committed to supporting initiatives that promote educational cooperation, youth empowerment, technological innovation, and stronger people-to-people relations between Nigeria and China.
The engagement also reflects Ambassador Dambazau’s continued emphasis on human capital development and the strategic importance of education in building a more innovative, competitive, and prosperous Nigeria.
Learning must go beyond the classroom. Exposure builds confidence, technology builds capacity, and character gives knowledge purpose.