A non-governmental organisation, SweetThinkers, has organised the second stage of its yearly quiz competition aimed at promoting excellence among pupils in Lagos public primary schools.

SweetThinkers Top 200 academic excellence competition is part of the group’s structured initiative to improve academic outcomes in Lagos public schools, reaching over 2,000 across the local government councils in the state.

Speaking at the Lagos Central centre of the competition, the Project Manager, Oluwatosin Akinola, noted that the initiative was aimed at inspiring young learners in public schools.

Akinola stated that the programme is a reflection of the organisation’s commitment to making education a shared community responsibility, driving long-term impact, while supporting schools with scholarships and infrastructural interventions to enhance learning environments.

According to her, the competition aligns with Sustainable Development Goal 4, which centres on quality education, spotlighting the state’s brightest pupils.

“This stage marks a significant milestone on the journey to the grand finale where pupils showcase their knowledge, confidence and potential.”

She explained that over 2,000 pupils participated in the first stage across the 20 local government areas of Lagos State, where 200 pupils scaled through to the second stage.

“This is the second stage, which was keenly contested. There are 40 qualified pupils; 10 each from Lagos Central and East districts, and 20 from Lagos West due to its larger pool of participants. They will move to stage three.”

Akinola noted that successful participants will advance to the grand finale, where a panel will assess them on speed, excellence, and accuracy. Three winners are expected to emerge.

According to her, the grand finale will offer scholarship opportunities and cash prizes to winners, while also providing infrastructure support to schools.

In his remarks, Mr Bamigbade Olamilekan, a teacher at Federal Housing Estate Nursery and Primary School, Victoria Island, praised the organisation for the initiative, noting that the competition had motivated pupils to excel academically.

“This is a laudable initiative that will add value to the academic development of our young pupils and it’s a way of strengthening public education structure,” he added.

Esther Iyiola, a pupil participant from Kuramo Primary School, Eti-Osa, described the competition as challenging, but a good experience that had fortified her for subsequent competitions.