The Ambassadors College, Ota, Ogun State, has emerged winner of this year’s Winifred Awosika Foundation Schools Competition (WAFASC), aimed at promoting healthy rivalry among schools, while giving students a chance to showcase their intellectual abilities and critical thinking skills.
 The competition, held at Chrisland Pre-Degree College, Lekki, Lagos, and themed: ‘Promoting Academic Excellence,’ brought together 17 secondary schools from across the country, with students showcasing their intellectual prowess and critical thinking skills in Mathematics, Sciences, and General Knowledge.
 Ambassadors College clinched the top spot, beating Redeemers International Schools, Maryland, and Crescent International Schools, Ota, Ogun State, which emerged first and second runners-up, respectively.
 
The winning schools were awarded prizes, plaques, and certificates in recognition of their outstanding performance.
 In his address, the Executive Head of Schools (Academics), Chrisland Schools, Mr Olusegun Ogunsola, who represented the foundation, explained that the yearly competition was designed to foster healthy rivalry, networking, and intellectual exchange among students.
 He noted that the Winifred Awosika Foundation, established by the Chairman and Founder of Chrisland Schools, is committed to advancing education in Nigeria and creating opportunities for young learners to showcase their talents.
 
Ogunsola emphasised that the competition provides a platform for students to demonstrate academic excellence and depth of knowledge across key subject areas, adding that it is an opportunity for learners to come together, compete, and learn from one another.
 “It is an opportunity for learners to come together, compete in healthy rivalry, network, and learn from one another,” he said.
 The Head of School, Chrisland Pre-Degree College, Lekki, Juliet Udoh, called on parents to enforce stricter control over their children’s screen time, warning that unchecked use of gadgets and social media could undermine academic performance.
 
Udoh stressed that parental involvement is critical in helping students maintain focus in an era dominated by digital distractions.
 She described the competition as a beautiful outing, noting that the overall performance reflected serious preparation and commitment.
 “We could see from the competition and the turnout that the school that came first actually deserved the win because they were all out for it. The schools came prepared and ready,” she said.
 
According to Udoh, the competition, now in its 12th year, has continued to improve in quality and impact, pushing students to expand their knowledge beyond the standard school curriculum.
  She noted that segments such as the general paper demand broad reading and awareness of current affairs.
 “The school that won today has been known over time to always prepare for competitions. It goes outside the normal school curriculum. You must devote extra time to study and research to gain an edge,” Udoh said.
 
A representative of the National Examinations Council (NECO), Mrs Adetoun Odejobi, advised schools and students to begin examination preparation on the first day of the academic session, stressing that consistent, early study habits remain the most effective strategy for success.
She emphasised that examination readiness is a collective responsibility involving schools, teachers, and students, and that adequate preparation must go beyond last-minute revision when the examination timetable is released.
 Odejobi encouraged students to cultivate consistent reading habits, describing overreading and going beyond the syllabus as keys to academic excellence.
 
She advised students to reduce screen time, develop independence in their learning process, and avoid overburdening themselves with chores.
 For parents, Odejobi said: “You need to provide a peaceful home environment, supply necessary learning materials such as textbooks, and remain actively present in your children’s academic journey.”