Nigeria’s Ambassador to China, Lt Gen Abdulrahman Dambazau, has commended 17 Nigerian students from four schools in Abuja for representing the country at the 2026 iCode Competition in Beijing.
The students, led by Glisten International Academy, Abuja, participated in the international competition on Saturday, August 22, 2026, where they showcased their coding skills, creativity, problem-solving abilities and innovative ideas alongside participants from other countries.
The Nigerian delegation comprised 17 students and five chaperones. The Nigerian Embassy in Beijing was represented at the competition and expressed pride in the students’ conduct and participation.
Following the competition, the delegation paid a courtesy visit to the Nigerian Embassy in Beijing, where Ambassador Dambazau received the students and their chaperones.
While congratulating the young participants, Dambazau described their participation as a demonstration of Nigeria’s potential in science, technology, innovation and human capital development.
He also reminded the students that academic excellence must be complemented by good character, discipline, responsibility and respect for others.
«“Learning and character must always go together.”»
The Ambassador stressed that representing Nigeria abroad carries responsibilities beyond academic or competitive success, urging the students to conduct themselves in ways that reflect the values and dignity of the country.
Dambazau also called for greater exposure of Nigerian students to international educational and technological programmes, saying opportunities such as competitions, educational exchanges and technology programmes can broaden young people’s perspectives and prepare them for future challenges.
He particularly commended the Executive Director of Glisten International Academy, Engr. Abba Abdullahi Saidu, as well as the school’s leadership and accompanying team for creating the opportunity for the students to participate in the international competition.
The Ambassador further advocated increased participation of public schools from Nigeria’s 36 states in similar international programmes, stressing that access to innovation and global exposure should extend beyond a limited number of institutions.
According to him, Nigeria’s youthful population remains one of the country’s greatest assets, while deliberate investment in STEM education, digital skills, creativity, innovation and character development will be essential to building the nation’s future workforce.
The Embassy congratulated the students for their representation of Nigeria, describing their participation in Beijing as evidence that Nigerian young people can compete confidently on the global stage when provided with the necessary opportunities and support.
The engagement also underscored the role of educational diplomacy in strengthening people-to-people relations between Nigeria and China, while promoting youth development, technology exchange and international learning opportunities.
“Learning must go beyond the classroom. Exposure builds confidence, technology builds capacity, and character gives knowledge purpose,” the Embassy’s Media Unit said.
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