Students of Chrisland High School, Lekki, Lagos, have emerged national champions in both the junior and senior secondary school categories of the 2026 Science Olympiad Nigeria, showcasing the value of practical science education and teamwork.
Representing Lagos State, the students secured first place in Divisions B and C at the national competition held at Anchor University, Ayobo, Ipaja, Lagos State.
Their double victory highlights what students can accomplish when science education moves beyond classroom lessons and examination questions to encourage critical thinking, experimentation and problem-solving.
At a recent honours and awards ceremony held at the school’s Lekki campus, the National Director of Science Olympiad Nigeria and United Kingdom STEM Ambassador, Adewumi Odunnaike, described the victory as the product of consistent preparation and a commitment to learning.
“Behind every award is preparation that the audience may never see, a difficult question revisited, an idea tested, a mistake corrected, and the patience to try again,” Odunnaike said.
The national tournament featured 10 schools from different states in each category, making Chrisland’s double victory a significant achievement for the Lagos-based school.
In the senior secondary category, the participating students were Onyike Kamnefechi, Okungbure Oluwanifemi, Ojekunle Lakin, Davids Inioluwa, Dada Oluwatomi, Ogunyomi Darasimi, Opatewa Michelle, Okafor Uzoamaka, Tubi Temi, Ezechukwu Adaeze, Ohiomoba Elise, Ohiomoba Darren and Eze Somtobenna.
The junior secondary team comprised Babatope Kemi, Tubi Teniola, Iva Opatewa, Itu Zina, Obande Mcfranklin, Adeeyo Fifebomi, Gula Olivia, Faka Racheal and Mesele Tobiloba.
Beyond the medals, the competition drew attention to the role of science education in helping young people understand and address challenges affecting their communities.
Odunnaike encouraged the students to remain curious, approach scientific challenges honestly and apply their knowledge to problems such as unreliable electricity supply, poor water quality and waste management.
He explained that science competitions help students develop critical thinking, practical knowledge and problem-solving skills that can serve them long after the event has ended.
These skills, he added, could prepare them for future careers as scientists, engineers, innovators and problem-solvers.
The national director also acknowledged the contributions of Chrisland Schools’ coaches, particularly Ogunfemi Ezekiel and Luga Temege, who helped prepare the students for the competition.
He called on professional bodies, engineering practitioners, companies, foundations, alumni and other education supporters to partner with Science Olympiad Nigeria to expand opportunities for young people.
Such partnerships, he said, could provide students with laboratory access, learning materials, practical workshops, coaching, mentorship and financial support for participation in science and technology competitions.
The school’s principal, Dr Kolawole Bewaji, said academic excellence should not be judged solely by examination performance, noting that competitions provide opportunities for students to demonstrate their ability to think critically, solve problems and innovate.
“Grades measure knowledge, but competitions like this reveal how students apply that knowledge, think critically, solve problems and innovate,” Bewaji said.
He stressed that science plays a significant role in medicine, technology, agriculture and national development, adding that schools must prepare young people not only to use future inventions but also to create them.
The principal urged the students to remain curious, ask questions and develop solutions to everyday problems, reminding the…
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