Ndiho Media,LLC.

By Paul Ndiho – Ndiho Media AI & Robotics Series

In a world where technology is redefining education, one Nigerian school is making waves. Glisten International Academy, based in Abuja, has established itself as a model for integrating STEM and robotics into everyday learning. Earlier this year, the school proudly represented Nigeria at the VEX Robotics World Championship in Dallas, Texas — the world’s largest robotics competition, featuring over 24,000 students from more than 60 countries.

For Abba Saidu, the Executive Director of Glisten International Academy, this journey has been about much more than building robots. “We’ve been running the school for 17 years, and technology has always been at the heart of what we do,” Saidu told Ndiho Media. “From the start, we wanted our students to have the skills and mindset for the future — to think, create, and solve problems.”

Saidu, who describes himself as a mentor and basketball enthusiast, says his motivation stems from a deep desire to see young Nigerians thrive in the technology sector. “When I see a four or five-year-old light up while building something, it melts my heart,” he said. “We’re not just teaching; we’re nurturing problem solvers.”

At the Dallas competition, Glisten’s students competed in multiple categories, representing Nigeria with three teams — from elementary to high school. “It was a life-changing experience,” Saidu recalled. “Imagine the Olympics, but for robots — countries from around the world, cheering, collaborating, and learning from one another. It showed our students that innovation has no borders.”

Saidu believes that robotics education is the key to unlocking Africa’s technological future. “We focus on robotics because we’ve seen its power,” he explained. “It teaches teamwork, coding, and creativity. These students are building robots today, but they’re really building confidence for tomorrow.”

Looking ahead, Saidu says the academy is investing heavily in makerspaces — hands-on innovation labs that let students design, test, and build. “We’ve changed the way students think,” he said. “From coding to AI to drones, they’re exploring technologies that will shape Nigeria’s future.”

For Glisten International Academy, it’s not just about winning medals — it’s about inspiring a generation. As Saidu put it, “Even if we take baby steps, every small effort helps close the gap between Africa and the rest of the world.”