Iwerekun Community Senior High School, Ibeju-Lekki, has emerged winner of the 10th edition of the Tolaram Science Challenge (TSC), securing its third consecutive victory in the annual competition.
The school defeated Magbon-Alade Senior Grammar School in a closely contested grand finale held in Lagos.
Sponsored by Lagos Free Zone, the Tolaram Science Challenge is an annual STEM-focused competition aimed at promoting scientific learning, innovation, and problem-solving among secondary school students in the Ibeju-Lekki axis.
The 10th edition featured 16 secondary schools, each represented by six students who competed in Physics, Chemistry, Biology, Mathematics, and General Knowledge.
Ibeju Senior High School, Lekki, and Community Senior High School, Lekki, placed third and fourth, respectively, while Nyong Jebson, Adekunle Ephraim, and Ashikodi Chukwu emerged first, second, and third in the individual category. The top-performing students received cash prizes.
Speaking at the grand finale, Director of Zone Development at Lagos Free Zone, Binay Saraf, who represented the Chief Executive Officer, Adesuwa Ladoja, described the 10-year milestone of the competition as a significant achievement.
Saraf noted that the initiative, which began as a modest programme, has grown into one of Lagos Free Zone’s flagship corporate social responsibility projects, offering students opportunities to develop curiosity, critical thinking, and innovation skills.
“Over the past decade, we have seen this event grow in scale, participation, and impact. Each year, more schools, more students, and more teachers have joined us on this journey of discovery and learning,” Ladoja said.
Also speaking, Director and Chief Sustainability Officer at Lagos Free Zone, Vishal Shah, reaffirmed the organisation’s commitment to improving education standards in the Ibeju-Lekki area through the competition.
The visionary behind the Tolaram Science Challenge, Olakunle Fadumiye, said the initiative was established in 2016 to inspire students to pursue science-related careers and expand educational opportunities within the community.
Fadumiye urged Lagos Free Zone to create more opportunities for TSC alumni through industrial training, internships, and National Youth Service Corps placements within the zone to enable them gain practical workplace experience.
Deputy Director, Schools Support Unit, Education District 3, Ikoyi, Lagos, Olubunmi Ajibola-Morebise, commended Lagos Free Zone and Tolaram for sustaining the initiative, noting that it has improved reading culture and encouraged academic excellence among students and teachers.
A total of 32 students were also awarded Unified Tertiary Matriculation Examination (UTME) scholarships in recognition of their outstanding performances.
Receiving the trophy on behalf of Iwerekun Community Senior High School, team captain Fawaz Alayo attributed the victory to the dedication of teachers and the strong support of the school management.