Nigerian software programmer Olaniran Sikiru has won a silver medal at the High-Tech Championship Final in Veliky Novgorod, Russia, delivering a landmark result in Nigeria’s first appearance at the international skills competition.
Competing in the highly specialised Quality Control Specialist for Transport Logistics Processes category, Sikiru finished second among contestants from around the world. His performance marked a historic debut for Nigeria at the championship.
Sikiru competed with the support of his expert, Ojetimi Abdulfatai, who served as his mentor and technical adviser throughout the event. While Sikiru took part as Nigeria’s official competitor, Abdulfatai worked closely with him, offering technical guidance, strategic input and practical support during the competition.
The silver medal establishes Nigeria as a new participant in the High-Tech Championship and brings the country into an international arena dedicated to advanced technologies, innovation and professional excellence.
Held from September 14 to 18, 2026, in Veliky Novgorod, the championship attracted more than 15,000 participants from 30 foreign countries, as well as representatives from all 89 regions of the Russian Federation. Participants competed in 20 high-tech competencies spanning specialised fields in technology, engineering and professional skills.
Sikiru’s second-place finish placed him among the strongest performers in his discipline and demonstrated the capacity of Nigerian professionals to compete successfully on the global stage.
His achievement also gives Nigeria a significant foothold in international competitions focused on the technologies and expertise driving the future of transportation and logistics.
