Nigeria’s Whitesands School Secures 2nd Place at Pan African Robotics Competition

Nigeria’s Whitesands School secured second place in the Makers League at the 2024 Pan African Robotics Competition, showcasing their innovative project, BALL-REF, which improves goal detection in football using RFID technology.

The Whitesands School, a secondary school in Lagos State, Nigeria, achieved second place in the Makers League category at the 2024 Pan African Robotics Competition (PARC).

The event took place from July 24 to July 28 at the NBA Africa Academy in Sally, Senegal, drawing participants from various African nations, including Ghana, Madagascar, Lesotho, the Democratic Republic of Congo, Mali, Cape Verde, Senegal, Gambia, Uganda, and Ivory Coast.

The Whitesands School Robotics team, consisting of Adrian Okwu, Oluwafiayokunola Banjo, Chinonso Chimereucheya, Reginald Emukpoeruo, and Ugochukwuyerem Odera Onyebuagu, began their preparations in May. Their journey involved numerous collaborative projects within the Whitesands Robotics Club and an important industrial visit to Strong Pack Limited, one of Nigeria’s few manufacturing companies utilizing large-scale robots.

The team’s success was guided by dedicated mentors and parents, including Barry Josiah, Chinedu Mama, and Kingsley Adaigbe, whose support played a vital role in their achievement. The team now looks forward to next year’s PARC and other competitions.

Whitesands’ standout project, BALL-REF, focused on improving goal detection accuracy in football using low-frequency RFID technology. The system involved embedding an RFID tag inside the football and positioning several RFID antennas around the goal post to detect when the ball fully crossed the line. A signal was then sent to the referee’s wristband, displaying a “GOAL” message on an OLED screen. This innovation addressed common challenges like human error and visual limitations in goal tracking, making it a significant entry in the competition.

The BALL-REF project not only showcased the technical skills of the Whitesands team but also emphasized their ability to solve real-world problems through innovation. Their success underscores the importance of engaging young minds in STEM fields and encouraging technological advancements with practical applications.

The school’s philosophy centers on the holistic development of students, focusing on intellectual, moral, physical, and social growth. Whitesands aims to produce well-rounded individuals who are intellectually competent, morally upright, and socially responsible. Its mission is to create an educational environment that promotes academic excellence, character development, and leadership skills.

The Whitesands School Robotics team’s achievement at PARC is a testament to their hard work, creativity, and teamwork. The school’s commitment to nurturing technological innovation and the ethical use of technology promises a bright future for its students and the broader community. For their participation, the school received the VEX V5 kit, which will be instrumental in preparing for future competitions.

In his speech, Sidy Ndao, the founder of PARC, emphasized the event’s importance in showcasing the potential of African youth in science and technology through collaboration. PARC aims to foster a culture of innovation, creativity, and technological advancement among African youth, empowering the next generation of African leaders in STEM fields and positioning Africa as a global leader in technological innovation.

The 2024 Pan African Robotics Competition celebrated unity, innovation, and the limitless potential of Africa’s youth. Whitesands School’s outstanding performance serves as an example of what can be achieved when young minds are given the tools and support to explore and innovate. As future competitions approach, the lessons learned and connections made at this year’s PARC will inspire continued excellence and collaboration across the continent.

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SOURCES: ALLSCHOOL, BUSINESS DAY