Outstanding students from two public secondary schools in Lagos State have been honoured for their academic excellence.

The Ameerah Legacy Foundation at the inaugural Academic Excellence Awards said the initiative was aimed at encouraging learning and recognising students who have distinguished themselves in academics and character, as well as recognising teachers’ years of work.

Presenting the awards to the outstanding students from Community Senior High School and Lagos Progressive Senior High School in Surulere, Lagos State, Chairman of the Foundation, Oladapo Obansere, said the awards were established to celebrate academic excellence and inspire more students in public schools to pursue outstanding achievements.

“Our first step is a promise we made to celebrate excellence and care for the people who raise and teach our children. This is only the beginning of what Ameerah Legacy Foundation will bring to communities across Lagos,” he said.

A member of the Foundation’s team, Oluremi Ogunwale, said recognising students and teachers sends a strong message that excellence in public schools deserves to be celebrated.

“There is nothing more rewarding than investing in the lives of our children. Seeing the excitement on the faces of students, teachers and parents, knowing that a child in a public school can be celebrated for academic excellence, and that a teacher’s years of work can be recognised too, that is exactly why this Foundation exists,” she said.

The Principals of Community Senior High School and Lagos Progressive Senior High School, Adewusi Adeleke and Oyedokun Adenike, respectively, said the awards were morale boosters for students and teachers, encouraged students to work harder academically, and reassured teachers that their contributions are valued.

Beyond the awards, the Foundation also provided free medical screening and treatment for more than 200 students, parents and teachers, underscoring the importance of supporting education alongside the health and wellbeing of school communities.

Organisers said future editions of the awards will be expanded to reach more schools and communities, combining recognition of academic achievement with health and social support programmes.