Fifty-nine students of Comprehensive Senior High School, Alapere, Lagos State, have scored above 70 per cent in a Chemistry challenge after successfully reproducing the periodic table from memory.
The exercise was part of the school’s Chemistry Challenge Day, an initiative aimed at promoting science education, strengthening students’ understanding of chemistry and showcasing their academic abilities.
A total of 70 students participated in the challenge, with 59 scoring above 70 per cent, while the remaining 11 scored below the mark.
The exercise was assessed by the Chairman of the Chemistry Teachers Association of Nigeria, Education District II, Maryland, Lagos State, Ajijola Bamidele, alongside members of the association’s executive committee.
Speaking at the event, the school’s Principal, Adedeji Adesanmi, said the programme celebrated scientific knowledge, creativity, practical learning and innovation.
He said a sound understanding of chemistry was essential for scientific discovery and technological advancement.
Adesanmi also called on teachers and other departments in the school to support the continuation of the initiative, describing it as an opportunity to promote scientific excellence, practical skills and innovation among students.
A Senior Lecturer at Yaba College of Technology and Chairman of the Chemistry Society of Nigeria, Lagos State Chapter, Dr Popoola Oluseun, highlighted the importance of chemistry education, particularly for students seeking admission into tertiary institutions to study science-related courses.
He also stressed that formal education remained important alongside practical skills, urging students to develop additional competencies that would strengthen their abilities and encourage independent learning.
Similarly, the Managing Director of Fundamental Technology Limited, Abdgafar Tijanee, spoke on the industrial applications of chemistry and its relevance to everyday life.
The school’s Chemistry Educator, Akindele Faosiyat, said the challenge was designed to deepen students’ interest in the subject through improved knowledge and mastery of the periodic table.
She congratulated the students on their performance, describing their ability to reproduce the periodic table from memory as an important achievement and a foundation for further success in chemistry.
Beyond the academic exercise, Akindele said the students had acquired practical skills in producing paint, whiteboard marker ink, toilet cleaner, liquid detergent and bleach, among other products.
She encouraged them to remain creative, develop their practical abilities and explore opportunities for self-employment.
The event also featured chemical demonstrations and an exhibition of seven chemistry-related products made by students through the school’s skills acquisition training programme.
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