Partners state govt, others for sixth Inter-Public Schools Championship

Ahead of resumption for a new academic school session, Shamadean Imole Charity Foundation, an education-focused initiative, has planned to take children in Lagos State off the streets and enrol hundreds of out-of-school children back to schools using sports, debate and other creative activities to reconnect young minds with education.

This was disclosed by the Foundation as it commenced the sixth edition of the Lagos State Inter-Public Schools Championship, organised in partnership with the Lagos State Government through the Ministries of Basic and Secondary Education and Information.

The championship brings together public junior and senior secondary schools from the six education districts of the state, providing students with opportunities to compete in academic, sporting and creative activities.

The championship features debate, chess, Scrabble, table tennis, male and female football, as well as cooking competitions for teachers and students.

Convener of the Foundation, Aderemi Oki, who spoke on the initiative, said the programme was established in 2021 to rekindle interest in education by making school activities more engaging and attractive to young people.

“We started in 2021, and our main goal is to bring back the value of education to Lagos State through engaging events like sports and debate that will attract the students and out-of-school children to education. So far, we’ve been able to return over 700 students to school.

“We want to win the souls of those who do not come to school,” Oki said.

According to the organisers, the competition is designed to provide students with opportunities to showcase their talents while encouraging healthy competition, teamwork and leadership.

The championship features a wide range of activities, including Debate, Chess, Scrabble, Table Tennis, male and female football, and cooking competitions for both teachers and students.

The event also includes the Lagos State High School Creatives (LSHSC), a platform dedicated to nurturing artistic talents through miming, acapella performances and cultural presentations.

The organisers said the initiative seeks to revive the value of education by engaging students in activities that promote intellectual growth, creativity and character development beyond the classroom.

Meanwhile, Head of Community Engagement, Damilare Adewusi, who spoke on behalf of the Executive Secretary of DSVA, Titilola Vivour-Adeniyi, acknowledged the consistency of the NGO efforts towards the prevention of sexual and gender-based violence through innovative sports and education-based initiatives that engage and empower young people across Lagos.

She said the programme would promote safety, respect and awareness of reporting channels and support services.

However, the cooking competition for teachers and students is scheduled to take place on October 27, 2026, at the Ikeja Senior Grammar School Hall, Bolade, Oshodi, followed by the male and female football finals on November 19, 2026, at the Campos Mini Stadium, Lagos Island.