By Hosanna Eseose
Seventeen students from four schools in the Federal Capital Territory (FCT) have showcased the growing strength of Abuja’s young technology talents at the international iCode Competition in Beijing, China.
The students, led by Glisten International Academy, Abuja, represented Nigeria at the competition held on Saturday, August 22, 2026, where they competed alongside young participants from different countries.
Their participation provided the FCT students with an opportunity to demonstrate their coding, technological, problem-solving and innovative skills on an international platform, while gaining exposure to global developments in science and technology.
The students later paid a courtesy visit to the Embassy of Nigeria in Beijing, where Nigeria’s Ambassador to China, Lt Gen Abdulrahman Dambazau, received the delegation.
Dambazau congratulated the students and commended them for representing Nigeria with pride, describing their participation as a reflection of the enormous potential of Nigerian youths in Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics (STEM).
He also praised the participating schools, teachers and accompanying officials for creating opportunities for the students to gain international exposure.
The Ambassador particularly commended the Executive Director of Glisten International Academy, Engr. Abba Abdullahi Saidu, for his leadership and commitment to providing Nigerian students with opportunities to participate in global competitions and experience China’s advanced technological and educational environment.
Dambazau reminded the students that their achievement extended beyond the competition, urging them to combine academic excellence with discipline, responsibility, respect and good character.
“Learning and character must always go together,” he told the students.
He further encouraged the young participants to see themselves as ambassadors of Nigeria, stressing that their conduct abroad should reflect the values and dignity of the country.
For the FCT students, the Beijing experience offered more than an opportunity to compete. It enabled them to interact with students from other countries, exchange ideas, experience a different culture and gain firsthand exposure to the role of technology and innovation in shaping the future.
The participation also highlighted the growing role of Abuja schools in developing young talents capable of competing on the global stage.
The Ambassador called for similar opportunities to be extended to more Nigerian children, particularly students in public schools across the 36 states of the federation.
He urged stakeholders to promote greater participation of Nigerian students in international competitions, educational exchanges and technology programmes.
The 17 FCT students were subsequently congratulated by the Nigerian Embassy for their courage, creativity, discipline and determination in representing the country at the international competition.
Abuja Times reports that their performance in Beijing has further underscored the potential of young Nigerians and the importance of investing in coding, digital skills, innovation and problem-solving as tools for preparing the next generation for a technology-driven world.