CISA CHAMPIONS BRING HOME STEMITE-NAFESS AWARD

Success rarely happens overnight. It begins with clear goals, careful planning, and consistent execution. This is the story of how our young innovators turned preparation into achievement.

The Chess Dream Program, sponsored by Nigerian National Petroleum Company Limited (NNPC Ltd.) and Chevron Nigeria, is a multi-component initiative designed to expose children to critical 21st-century skills. While chess remains a core foundation, the program extends far beyond the board, incorporating robotics, web development, graphic design, vocational training, and more.

For many of our children, this program marked their first-ever exposure to robotics and hands-on STEM learning. What followed was a surge of curiosity, creativity, and innovative thinking, skills they are already beginning to apply to solving real problems in their communities.

From Training to the National Stage

The journey to the STEMite–NAFESS Competition began with a structured summer training programme. During this period, the children worked on small practical projects alongside theory-based classes that broke down how ideas are developed, tested, and transformed into working solutions.

As their capacity grew, our instructors worked closely with the team to prepare them for a national platform. This led to their registration for the STEMite–NAFESS Fair, a competition created to expose young innovators to emerging technologies and real-world problem solving.

Participants were challenged to design innovations that address societal and African development challenges. In response, our team developed three impactful projects:

STEM Projects Addressing Real-World Challenges

Under the mentorship of Michael Ekanem, founder of STEM X Ng and our lead STEM and robotics instructor, the team brought their ideas to life. His guidance ensured that each project combined creativity with technical precision, giving our champions the skills and confidence to succeed at the national competition.

1.Greenhouse Automation System: Smart Technology for Sustainable Agriculture

The Greenhouse Automation System is a smart greenhouse prototype that automates irrigation while monitoring temperature and humidity. Using sensors such as the DHT11 and a microcontroller-controlled water pump, the system creates optimal growing conditions for crops.

Impact:
This project promotes food security and sustainable agriculture, especially for smallholder farmers in low-resource communities by reducing water waste and improving crop yield.

2. CISA Agent: A Robotic Surveillance System

The CISA Agent is a robotic surveillance system equipped with sensors and camera modules, designed for monitoring remote or restricted environments. It is wirelessly controlled and demonstrates how affordable robotics can enhance security.

Impact:
The solution offers a low-cost surveillance alternative for communities and small organizations facing security challenges.

3. ChargeX: Solar-Powered Wearable Jacket for Mobile Charging

ChargeX is a solar-powered wearable jacket that allows users to charge mobile devices on the move. It integrates flexible solar panels with a power bank system.

Impact:
ChargeX addresses energy poverty by providing a portable renewable energy solution for students, travelers, and people living in rural areas with limited access to electricity.

Making the Finals at the STEMite–NAFESS Competition

After going through the competition’s rigorous evaluation process, the team’s CISA Agent (Surveillance Spy Robot) was selected as a finalist. Their preparation and dedication paid off.

On the day of the event, our champions confidently presented their project, engaging the audience and judges with clarity and enthusiasm. At the end of the competition, the team proudly secured third place, winning a cash prize of ₦100,000.

More Than a Win: Building the Future Through STEM

Reflecting on the experience, Fortune one of the team members shared:

“We could have done better, but I’m happy we got a win.”

At Chess in Slums Africa, this achievement marks only the beginning. Our vision goes beyond trophies, we are committed to expanding STEM and robotics facilities, engaging more expert tutors, and creating even greater opportunities for our champions.

This win is bigger than an award. It proves that every opportunity builds confidence, ignites dreams, and sets young minds on a path toward unstoppable goals.

Turning Support into Sustainable Impact

This milestone would not have been possible without the visionary support of Nigerian National Petroleum Company Limited (NNPC Ltd.) and Chevron Nigeria. Their commitment to investing in education, innovation, and youth development served as the catalyst that transformed potential into performance.

By backing the Chess Dream Program, they did not only sponsor a project, they enabled access, inspired confidence, and opened doors for young innovators to compete, learn, and win on a national stage. We remain deeply grateful for their partnership in shaping a future driven by opportunity, innovation, and hope.

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