The Whitesands School, a Nigerian secondary school in Lagos State robotics team secured the second position in the Makers League category at the recently concluded 2024 Pan African Robotics Competition (PARC).
The event was held at the NBA Africa Academy in Sally, Senegal, from July 24 to July 28, with participants from across the continent.
The competition brought together students from various African countries, including Ghana, Madagascar, Lesotho, the Democratic Republic of Congo, Mali, Cape Verde, Senegal, Gambia, Uganda, and Ivory Coast.
The Whitesands School Robotics team, composed of Adrian Okwu, Oluwafiayokunola Banjo, Chinonso Chimereucheya, Reginald Emukpoeruo, and Ugochukwuyerem Odera Onyebuagu, began their preparation in May this year.
Their journey included numerous collaborative projects within the Whitesands Robotics Club and a crucial industrial visit to Strong Pack Limited, one of the few manufacturing companies in Nigeria that utilises large-scale robots for their operation.
The team received guidance from their dedicated parents and mentors: Barry Josiah, Chinedu Mama, and Kingsley Adaigbe. Their mentorship played a crucial role in the team’s success, as they now look forward to next year’s PARC and other competitions.
Whitesands’ innovative project, BALL-REF, aimed to enhance goal detection accuracy in football using low-frequency RFID technology. The system could detect when the ball fully crossed the line by embedding an RFID tag inside the football and positioning several RFID antennas around the goal post.
Upon detection, a signal was sent to the referee’s wristband, displaying a “GOAL” message on an OLED screen.
This project addressed common goal-tracking challenges, such as human error and visual limitations, making it a standout entry in the competition.
The BALL-REF project not only demonstrated the technical skills of the Whitesands team but also highlighted their ability to solve real-world problems through innovation.
The project’s success underscores the importance of engaging young minds in STEM fields and encouraging technological advancements with practical applications.
The school’s philosophy emphasises the integral development of each student, focusing on intellectual, moral, physical, and social growth.
The institution’s vision is to produce well-rounded intellectually competent, morally upright, and socially responsible individuals. Its mission is to provide an educational environment that promotes academic excellence, character development, and leadership skills.
The Whitesands School Robotics team’s achievement at the 2024 PARC is a testament to their hard work, creativity, and teamwork.
The school’s commitment to fostering an environment that nurtures technological innovation, and ethical use of technology promises a bright future for its students and the broader community.
The School was given the VEX V5 kit for participating in the competition. This would be very useful in preparing for future competitions.
Sidy Ndao, the founder of PARC, in his speech, highlighted the event’s significance, noting that it showcases the potential of African youth to excel in science and technology through collaborative efforts.
PARC aims to foster a culture of innovation, creativity, and technological advancement among African youth. By providing a platform for students to showcase their skills and collaborate with peers from different countries,
PARC seeks to empower the next generation of African leaders in STEM fields, driving sustainable development and positioning Africa as a global leader in technological innovation.
The 2024 Pan African Robotics Competition celebrated unity, innovation, and the boundless potential of Africa’s youth. Whitesands School’s remarkable performance is a beacon of what can be achieved when young minds are given the tools and support to explore and innovate.
As we look forward to future competitions, the lessons learned and the bonds formed at this year’s PARC will undoubtedly inspire continued excellence and collaboration across the continent.
