By Aja Beyai
In a remarkable journey from local classrooms to the global stage, Skylab Robotics, a pioneering organization in the Gambia, is igniting a passion for STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics) among the nation’s youth. Founded in 2019 by Isatou Demba, Demba Sillah, and Abdoulie Kujabi, Skylab Robotics has grown from a competitive team into a beacon of innovation and mentorship dedicated to shaping the next generation of robotics leaders.
The story began at the Interschool Robotics Competition, organized by the Gambia Robotics Hub at MRC, where the trio—then students from different schools—first united their talents. Their collaboration propelled them to represent The Gambia at Ghana’s Pan African Robotics Competition and later at the FIRST Global Challenge in Dubai. Since then, Skylab has continued to shine internationally, earning a notable 32nd place at the FIRST Global Challenge in Singapore 2023—an achievement that underscores the rising robotics talent within the country.
Beyond accolades, Skylab’s impact is deeply felt through its mentorship efforts. The team’s dedication to nurturing young talent earned them the prestigious “Best Mentor Award” at the Singapore competition, a testament to their commitment to guiding aspiring STEM enthusiasts. Their mentorship program offers hands-on support and inspiration, encouraging Gambian youth to pursue careers in science and technology.
Skylab’s influence extends far beyond the competition arena. Through active outreach initiatives, the team shares its expertise with students and educators across the region, fostering a culture of innovation and problem-solving. “We’re not just competing; we’re building a foundation for the future,” said founder Abdoulie Kujabi, reflecting on the team’s mission to expand their reach nationwide.
Despite their successes, Skylab faces significant challenges, including limited access to high-quality robotics materials and funding constraints. Yet, their determination remains unshaken. “We believe in overcoming obstacles through persistence and strategic planning,” Kujabi noted, highlighting the unwavering support that fuels their efforts.
A recent highlight of Skylab’s work is their mentorship of students from the Yeromansa lab, who are currently representing The Gambia at the AirTad’25 competition in Ghana. Under Skylab’s guidance, these students developed “SDG Zero Hunger,” a project focused on automated irrigation, water conservation, water management, and food safety storage—demonstrating the team’s commitment to leveraging technology for sustainable solutions.
Looking ahead, Skylab aims to expand its outreach programs, develop innovative robotics solutions tailored to local challenges, and continue representing The Gambia globally. Their journey is a powerful example of how passion and dedication can harness technology to inspire youth and drive positive change. As Kujabi proudly stated, “Our focus is on creating a broader impact—empowering the next generation to innovate and solve problems that matter.”
