IWEREKUN Community Senior High School, Lakowe, Lagos State, has emerged the winner of the 2024 Tolaram Science Challenge (TSC), defeating Ibeju Senior High School, Ibeju, during the grand finale of the competition sponsored by the Lagos Free Zone (LFZ) Company at the weekend.

Sixteen secondary schools took part in this year’s edition of the competition, with each school providing a representation of six students. The students were tested in Physics, Chemistry, Biology, Mathematics, and General Knowledge with Magbon Alade Senior Grammar School, Magbon, Ibeju-Lekki securing the third position, while Community Senior High School, Debojo, came fourth.

The top three outstanding students in the competition and the best female student received cash prizes. Chief Executive Officer (CEO), Lagos Free Zone, Adesuwa Ladoja, expressed profound appreciation to all the stakeholders, including the Onilekki of Lekki, NEPZA Zone Administrator, Nigeria Immigration Service, Lekki LCDA, Ministry of Commerce and Industry, Nigeria Customs Service, DSS that all had their representatives present for supporting the initiative and contributing to making it a success.

She also thanked other supporters of the event, including Kelloggs, Colgate, Leadway Insurance, and the Rotary Club of Eko Atlantic, for their generosity.
Ladoja said that the competition had significantly impacted the performance of students within the axis as students now show more enthusiasm and spirit in science-based courses.

Also speaking, the Senior Special Assistant to Lagos State Governor on Commerce, Cooperatives, Trade and Investments, Hauwa Adeeyo, congratulated the students for their exemplary performance, noting that the future belongs to those who dare to dream, imagine, and create.

Adeeyo said that embracing science and technology at this time holds the key to solving global challenges and improving lives, urging the students to remain focused as they strive to be solution providers.

Group Finance Director of Tolaram, Dinesh Rathi, while applauding the pioneers of the initiative, said the investment of Lagos Free Zone on the initiative over the last eight years had demonstrated its commitment to shaping Nigeria’s future.

The team captain of Iwerekun Community Senior High School, Idowu Olaitan, who spoke after receiving the trophy, expressed her excitement for winning this year’s edition, having lost the previous edition.

According to Olaitan, winning the Tolaram Science Challenge is clear proof that one should not lose hope in the face of failure. She attributed the success recorded at the competition to the dedication of the team and the support received from their teachers.