Chrisland High School, Lekki, Lagos, has emerged as the national champion in both the junior and senior secondary school categories of the 2026 Science Olympiad Nigeria.
Representing Lagos State, Chrisland secured top honours in Divisions B and C at the national competition held at Anchor University, Ayobo, Ipaja, Lagos State.
A statement issued by Chrisland on Thursday said the school was honoured for its feat at the Science Olympiad Nigeria 2026 National Championship Honours and Awards Ceremony held recently at its Lekki campus.
The students who participated in the senior secondary school category were Onyike Kamnefechi, Okungbure Oluwanifemi, Ojekunle Lakin, Davids Inioluwa, Dada Oluwatomi, Ogunyomi Darasimi, Opatewa Michelle, Okafor Uzoamaka, Tubi Temi, Ezechukwu Adaeze, Ohiomoba Elise, Ohiomoba Darren and Eze Somtobenna.
Those who participated in the junior secondary school category were Babatope Kemi, Tubi Teniola, Iva Opatewa, Itu Zina, Obande Mcfranklin, Adeeyo Fifebomi, Gula Olivia, Faka Racheal and Mesele Tobiloba.
The national tournament featured 10 schools from different states in each category, with Chrisland High School, Lekki, emerging as champion in both.
The National Director of Science Olympiad Nigeria and STEM Ambassador for the United Kingdom, Adewumi Odunnaike, was quoted as describing the feat as the outcome of preparation, persistence and a commitment to learning.
“Behind every award is preparation that the audience may never see, a difficult question revisited, an idea tested, a mistake corrected, and the patience to try again,” Odunnaike said.
He urged the students to “remain curious, approach scientific challenges with honesty and use their knowledge to address societal problems, like poor electricity supply, poor water quality, and waste management.”
He said the habits developed through scientific learning would serve the students beyond the competition, preparing them to become responsible scientists, engineers, innovators and problem-solvers.
Odunnaike said the achievement highlighted the importance of science education that extended beyond classroom instruction and examination performance.
“It equips students with the critical thinking, practical knowledge and problem-solving skills needed to develop innovative solutions to real-world challenges,” he said.
Odunnaike acknowledged the contributions of Chrisland Schools coaches, particularly Ogunfemi Ezekiel and Luga Temege, who helped prepare the students for the tournament.
He called on professional bodies, engineering practitioners, companies, foundations, alumni and other supporters of education to partner with Science Olympiad Nigeria to expand opportunities for young people to participate in science and technology programmes.
He explained that such partnerships could provide learning materials and equipment, practical workshops, laboratory access, coaching opportunities, support for tournament participation and mentorship for students.
Science Olympiad Nigeria, organised by Science Spot Services, seeks to promote practical, home-grown science and technology by encouraging students to investigate problems, develop solutions and work collaboratively.
In his welcome address, the Principal of Chrisland High School, Lekki, Dr Kolawole Bewaji, described the victory as a demonstration of the value of an education that encourages students to apply knowledge beyond the classroom.
“Academic excellence should not be measured solely by examination grades,” Bewaji said, stressing that competitions such as the Science Olympiad provided opportunities for students to demonstrate critical thinking, problem-solving and innovation.
“Grades measure knowledge, but competitions like this reveal how students apply that knowledge, think critically, solve problems and innovate,” he said.
“Science plays a critical role in medicine, technology, agriculture and national development, so schools need to prepare young people not only to use future inventions but also to create them.”
The principal urged the students to remain curious, ask questions and develop solutions to everyday problems.
“The future does not belong merely to those who memorise answers, but to those courageous enough to ask questions and develop solutions,” he said.
He reminded the students that their awards should inspire them to pursue greater achievements rather than regard the recognition as the end of their journey.
The event was attended by representatives of the Chemical Society of Nigeria, the school management and board, the Parent-Teacher Association, Science Olympiad Nigeria, the Ministry of Education and other stakeholders in the education sector.
