By Jumoke Olaitan
The Naija Drone Soccer League (NDSL) has unveiled Nigeria’s first competitive drone soccer league for senior secondary school students to promote science, technology and innovation.
The Operations Manager, NDSL, Alex Orkuma, disclosed this in a statement made available to newsmen on Wednesday in Abuja.
Orkuma said the initiative would combine sports with Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics (STEM) education to help students gain practical skills in aviation technology, engineering, robotics, teamwork and problem-solving.
According to him, drone soccer will provide students with hands-on experience in emerging technologies while encouraging creativity, leadership and strategic thinking.
He described drone soccer as more than a sport, saying it would serve as a platform for preparing young Nigerians for future careers in technology, aviation and engineering.
Orkuma stated that the league would organise nationwide competitions for senior secondary school students, and would support through the provision of drone soccer kits, training and technical assistance.
According to him, regional qualifying competitions will be held before a national championship.
He added that teachers and schools would also benefit from the capacity-building programmes designed to strengthen STEM education.
Orkuma said that participating students would have opportunities to connect with global STEM and drone technology programmes.
He called on senior secondary schools across the country to register for the inaugural season via www.Naijadronesoccerleague.org, noting that early participants would enjoy priority onboarding, technical support and national visibility.
He also appealed to corporate bodies, stakeholders and development partners to support the initiative through partnerships and sponsorships.
He said that such support would contribute to youth empowerment, STEM education and the growth of Nigeria’s drone and robotics sector.(NAN)(www.nannews.ng)
Edited by Funmilayo Adeyemi
