Iwerekun Community Senior High School, Lakowe, has emerged winner of the 2024 Tolaram Science Challenge (TSC), beating Ibeju Senior High School, at the grand finale of the competition sponsored by the Lagos Free Zone (LFZ) company.

Sixteen secondary schools took part in this year’s competition, with six representatives each. The Chief Executive Officer, Lagos Free Zone, Adesuwa Ladoja, expressed appreciation to stakeholders for supporting the initiative and making it a success.

Ladoja pointed out that the competition has significantly impacted the performance of students within the axis, as they now show more enthusiasm in science-based courses.

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

Adeeyo said 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.

She said: “You need to embrace curiosity, ask questions and seek answers, explore experiments, and innovate. Remember, failure is not the opposite of success, but the stepping stone to learning. As you showcase your projects, remember the true power of science lies not in the discoveries, but in the minds of those who make them.”

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

Rathi said the competition’s growth over the years is in line with Tolaram’s resolve to create possibilities for generations in Nigeria. He explained that focusing on science-related disciplines would go a long way in changing the fortunes of the country.

Speaking shortly after receiving the trophy, the team captain, Iwerekun Community Senior High School, Idowu Olaitan, said winning this year’s competition is clear proof that one should not lose hope in the face of failure.

An elated Olaitan, whose team lost the previous edition, attributed their success to the dedication of the team and support received from teachers. During the closing ceremony, the top three outstanding students in the competition and best female student were rewarded with cash prizes.

The Tolaram Science Challenge is a yearly science-based competition for schools located within the Ibeju-Lekki axis, where the Lagos Free Zone is situated.
The competition is the flagship corporate social responsibility (CSR) initiative of LFZ aimed at developing and promoting science education among students in the area.