Igbobi College, Lagos, has been crowned Nigeria’s best premier high school after emerging winner of the first-ever Champ High School Quiz (CHSQ) competition.
The historic school defeated long-time rival CMS Grammar School, Lagos, in the grand finale held on August 10 at Ten0one Studios, Ikeja, securing the top prize of ₦1 million.
The competition, which began in July, featured 32 premier secondary schools across the country. An initial online test in English, Mathematics, and History reduced the contestants to eight schools, including Igbobi College, CMS Grammar School, Queen’s School (Ibadan), St. Gregory’s College (Lagos), Oriwu Model College (Ikorodu), Olivet Baptist High School (Oyo), Baptist Academy (Lagos), and Wesley College (Ibadan).
Backed by the STEMAfrica Initiative and produced by JustMedia Productions, CHSQ was designed to revive the culture of academic excellence among Nigeria’s heritage schools while promoting STEM education. The initiative was spearheaded by prominent alumni of pre-independence schools, including Gbenga Shobo, Deputy MD of First Bank; Oluwatoyin Sanni, Founder of Emerging Africa Group; Chike Iroegbunam, Founder of Orangeline Limited; and Jude Chiemeka, CEO of Nigerian Exchange Limited (NGX).
At the award ceremony, Ore Sofekun, consultant for STEMAfrica, praised Igbobi College’s management for nurturing both character and intellect. She urged alumni and parents to support premier schools in preserving their heritage.
“We call it Champ High School because of our heritage and legacy. These schools shaped Nigeria’s founding fathers, and we must ensure they continue to thrive for future generations,” Sofekun said.
Adedotun Akanbi, principal of Igbobi College, celebrated the winning team of Olabode Obaloluwa, Okoronkwo David, and Lukeahizu Praise, commending their brilliance and determination.
Other dignitaries at the event included Abimbola Babalola, Head of Trading and Products at NGX; Abiodun Makinde, Chairman of the Igbobi College PTA; Aishat Maibe-borodo, External Relations Lead at Bank of Industry; and Oladapo Ojo, Founder of STEM Africa Initiatives.
Speaking on behalf of NGX, Babalola encouraged the students to embrace leadership and problem-solving:
“The world celebrates solution providers. Use your time wisely to solve problems and make an impact,” he advised.
The CHSQ, according to organisers, will become an annual event aimed at reviving intellectual rivalry among Nigeria’s foremost secondary schools while encouraging innovation in science and technology.
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