Iwerekun Community Senior High School, Lakowe, has emerged the winner of the 2024 Tolaram Science Challenge (TSC), beating Ibeju Senior High School, Ibeju at the grand finale of the competition sponsored by the Lagos Free Zone (LFZ) Company held on Friday, July 12, 2024.
Sixteen secondary schools took part in this year’s edition of the competition, with each school providing a representation of six (6) students. The list of participating schools includes Community Senior High School, Magbon-Segun, Community Senior High School, Idata/Ilagbo, Ise Senior High School, Ise, Igbogun Community Senior High School, Igbogun, Laborc Schools, Orimedu, Jona Josh School, Orofun, Joak Private Schools, Community Senior High School, Idata, Lacaperia Academy, Obadore, Magbon Alade Senior Grammar School, Magbon, Ibeju-Lekki, Community Senior High School, Akodo/Orofun, Iwerekun Community Senior High School, Lakowe, Community Senior Secondary School, Debojo, Community Senior High School, Lekki, Eagles Vision International School, Orofun Town, Ibeju, and Ibeju Senior High School, Ibeju.
The students were tested in five core subject areas that include Physics, Chemistry, Biology, Mathematics, and General Knowledge. At the end of the fierce competition, Magbon Alade Senior Grammar School, Magbon, Ibeju-Lekki secured the third position, while Community Senior High School, Debojo came fourth.
During the closing ceremony, the top 3 outstanding students in the competition and the best female student received cash prizes.
Speaking at the occasion, the Chief Executive Officer, Lagos Free Zone, Adesuwa Ladoja expressed profound appreciation to all the stakeholders including the Onilekki of Lekki, NEPZA Zone Administrator, Nigeria Immigration Service, Lekki LCDA, Ministry of Commerce and Industry, Nigeria Customs Service, DSS who all had their representatives present, for supporting the initiative and contributing to making it a success. She also thanked other supporters of the event including Kellogg’s, Colgate, Leadway Insurance, and the Rotary Club of Eko Atlantic for their generosity.
Ladoja stated that there is no doubt that the competition has significantly impacted the performance of students within the axis as students now show more enthusiasm and spirit in science-based courses.
Also speaking, the Senior Special Assistant to the Lagos State Governor on Commerce, Cooperatives, Trade and Investments, Hauwa Adeeyo while congratulating the students for their exemplary performance noted that the future belongs to those who dare to dream, imagine, and create.
Adeeyo said embracing science and technology at this time holds the key to solving global challenges and improving lives, urging the students to remain focused as they strive to be solution providers. She stated “You need to embrace curiosity, ask questions and seek answers, explore experiments, and innovate. Remember, failure is not the opposite of success but the stepping stone to learning. As you showcase your projects, remember the true power of science lies not in the discoveries but in the minds of those who make them. Keep exploring, keep innovating, and keep shaping the future.”
While applauding the pioneers of the initiative, Group Finance Director, Tolaram, Dinesh Rathi, said the investment of Lagos Free Zone on the initiative over the last 8 years has demonstrated its commitment to shaping Nigeria’s future.
Rathi said TSC’s growth over the years is in line with Tolaram’s purpose to create possibilities for generations in Nigeria. He explained that focusing on science-related disciplines would go a long way in changing the fortunes of Nigeria.
Speaking shortly after receiving the trophy, the team captain, Iwerekun Community Senior High School, Idowu Olaitan expressed her excitement for winning this year’s edition having lost the previous edition. According to Olaitan, winning the Tolaram Science Challenge is clear proof that one should not lose hope in the face of failure. She attributed the success recorded at the competition to the dedication of the team and the support received from teachers.
The Tolaram Science Challenge is an annual science-based competition for schools located within the Ibeju-Lekki axis of Lagos, where the Lagos Free Zone is situated. The Tolaram Science Challenge is the flagship CSR initiative of LFZ aimed at developing and promoting science education amongst the students within the area.
