By Daniel Anazia
Honeyland Schools, Abesan, Lagos, a 30-student orchestra has won the ninth edition of the National Inter-school Music Competition and Academic Award.
The school was crowned winner after a review and award presentation. They were presented with a cheque and trophy, while the other participating orchestras were presented with medals for coming tops after the review.
Though the competition was held on Thursday, February 13, at the University of Lagos, an error in marks allocation, made the organisers raise a review committee. However, on Friday, April 4, 2025, Honeyland School was named as winner of the ninth edition with the theme ‘Music for social change’.
“At the grand event on February 13, 2025, at the UNILAG Auditorium, an unfortunate miscalculation in the final results led to an incorrect declaration of the winners of the 9th edition of this competition. After a thorough and transparent review, we have found that the rightful winners of this edition are Honeyland College,” said Olubunmi Adebowale, Executive Director, National Inter-school Music Competition.
“To Honeyland College, we extend our sincere congratulations. Your outstanding performance, dedication, and talent truly embody the spirit of this competition. The mistake at the main event was regrettable, but today, we set the record straight,” Adebowale added.
In the same vein, David Abduljabba, Head, Review Committee said, “this correction is not merely an adjustment of results but a reaffirmation of our commitment to truth and excellence. To the students and teachers of Honeyland College, I extend my heartfelt congratulations. Your talent, hard work, and dedication truly reflect the values this competition was created to celebrate.”
Speaking on his school’s success, the elated administrator of Honeyland School, Akinleye Akingbemi Oludayo, revealed that the organisers have displayed sheer integrity.
He said, “I have to give kudos to the organisers because it is not always easy to stand by the truth but they were particular about their integrity. We had taken our minds off the competition and we weren’t expecting it but it shows the organisers know what they are doing and they want to maintain their credibility and it is very important.”
