For 10 years, the Tolaram Science Challenge has done more than test students’ knowledge of science by inspiring ambition, nurturing critical thinking and opening doors to new opportunities for young people across Ibeju-Lekki. As Iwerekun Community Senior High School clinched its third consecutive title at the competition’s landmark 10th edition, the event highlighted not only academic excellence but also the enduring impact of a decade-long investment in STEM education, with scholarships, success stories and transformed lives underscoring its growing legacy. Chiemelie Ezeobi reports For a decade, the Tolaram Science Challenge has been quietly changing the narrative for young people in Ibeju-Lekki. In communities where many students once struggled to see education as a pathway to opportunity, the annual competition has become a platform that rewards excellence, nurtures innovation and inspires confidence in science, technology, engineering and mathematics (STEM). Its impact was once again on display as Iwerekun Community Senior High School, Ibeju-Lekki, emerged winner of the 10th edition of the Tolaram Science Challenge (TSC), securing an impressive third consecutive title and reinforcing the competition’s growing legacy of academic excellence. Sponsored by Lagos Free Zone, the Tolaram Science Challenge is an annual science competition for secondary schools in the Ibeju-Lekki axis of Lagos. Since it was launched in 2016, the initiative has grown into one of the flagship Corporate Social Responsibility programmes of Lagos Free Zone, providing students with an opportunity to demonstrate innovative ideas and practical solutions to real-world challenges through STEM education. Rewarding Excellence and Healthy Competition This year’s competition brought together 16 participating secondary schools, with each school represented by six students. Contestants tested their knowledge across Physics, Chemistry, Biology, Mathematics and General Knowledge, competing for honours in what has become one of the most anticipated academic events in the area. At the end of the keenly contested grand finale, Iwerekun Community Senior High School defeated Magbon-Alade Senior Grammar School to lift the coveted trophy. Ibeju Senior High School, Lekki, finished in third place, while Community Senior High School, Lekki, came fourth. Individual excellence was also celebrated. Nyong Jebson, Adekunle Ephraim and Ashikodi Chukwu emerged first, second and third respectively among the outstanding students, with each receiving a cash prize. In addition, 32 students were awarded Unified Tertiary Matriculation Examination (UTME) scholarships in recognition of their exceptional performances throughout the competition. The Tolaram Science Challenge is a brainchild of Lagos Free Zone. Designed to promote science education among secondary school students in Ibeju-Lekki, each participating school is represented by five pupils, while five others serve as audience members, giving more students an opportunity to participate in the learning experience. Building Communities Through Education Speaking at the grand finale, Director, Zone Development, Binay Saraf, who represented the Chief Executive Officer, Lagos Free Zone, Adesuwa Ladoja, described the competition’s 10th anniversary as an important milestone. She said: “Over the past decade, we have seen this event grow in scale, participation, and impact. Each year, more schools, more students and more teachers have joined us on this journey of discovery and learning. “Today, the Tolaram Science Challenge has become a platform that encourages curiosity, innovation, critical thinking and healthy competition. More importantly, it has become a symbol of our commitment to investing in the future of our communities.” According to Ladoja, Lagos Free Zone believes community development extends beyond infrastructure and employment. “At Lagos Free Zone and Tolaram, we believe that developing communities goes beyond building infrastructure or creating jobs. It also means creating opportunities for young people to learn, grow and discover their potential,” she said. She encouraged participants to view the competition as more than a race for prizes. “Whether you receive a prize today or not, the knowledge you gain, the friendships you build and the experience you take away will remain with you for life.” Also speaking, Director and Chief Sustainability Officer, Lagos Free Zone, Vishal Shah, reaffirmed the organisation’s commitment to improving the quality of education across the Ibeju-Lekki axis, noting that over the last 10 years, the initiative has encouraged healthy competition among students and improved performance in qualifying examinations. Changing Lives Beyond the Classroom
Don't miss out on breaking stories and in-depth articles.
