Chrisland Lekki Emerges Champion at 2026 Science Olympiad Nigeria

Chrisland High School, Lekki, wins both junior and senior categories at the 2026 Science Olympiad Nigeria held at Anchor University, Lagos.

Chrisland High School, Lekki, has emerged national champion in both the junior and senior secondary school categories of the 2026 Science Olympiad Nigeria, after representing Lagos State and securing top honours at the national competition held at Anchor University, Ayobo, Lagos State.

The school was honoured for the outstanding performance of its Division B and Division C teams.

The national tournament featured 10 schools from different states in each category, with Chrisland High School, Lekki, emerging overall champion in both categories.

The achievement highlighted the importance of science education that extends beyond classroom instruction and examination performance, equipping students with critical thinking, practical knowledge and problem-solving skills needed to develop innovative solutions to real-world challenges.

Speaking at the awards ceremony, the National Director of Science Olympiad Nigeria, Mr Adewumi Odunnaike, described the double victory as the outcome of preparation, persistence and 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.

He urged the students to remain curious, approach scientific challenges with honesty and use their knowledge to address societal problems, including unreliable electricity, poor water quality, waste management and the safety of everyday technology.

According to him, the habits developed through scientific learning would serve the students beyond the competition, preparing them to become responsible scientists, engineers, innovators and problem-solvers in the future.

Odunnaike called on professional bodies, engineering practitioners, companies, foundations, alumni and other supporters of education to partner with Science Olympiad Nigeria to expand opportunities for young people to participate in science and technology programmes.

He explained that such partnerships could provide learning materials and equipment, practical workshops, laboratory access, coaching opportunities, support for tournament participation, and mentorship for students.

Science Olympiad Nigeria, organised by Science Spot Services, seeks to promote applicable, home-grown science and technology by encouraging students to investigate problems, develop solutions, and work collaboratively.

Odunnaike encouraged potential partners to support schools and teams through clearly defined programmes that identify beneficiaries, the resources required, and mechanisms for reporting progress and the use of support.

In his welcome address, the Principal of Chrisland High School, Lekki, Dr Kolawole Bewaji, described the double championship as a significant achievement for the school and a demonstration of the value of an education that encourages students to apply knowledge beyond the classroom.

Bewaji noted that academic excellence should not be measured solely by examination grades, stressing that competitions such as the Science Olympiad provide opportunities for students to demonstrate critical thinking, problem-solving and innovation.

“Grades measure knowledge, but competitions like this reveal how students apply that knowledge, think critically, solve problems and innovate,” he said.

He added that science plays a critical role in medicine, technology, agriculture and national development, making it essential for schools to prepare young people not only to use future inventions but also to create them.

Emphasising the ceremony’s theme, “Innovate Now,” the principal urged the students to remain curious, ask questions and develop solutions to everyday problems.

He further reminded the students that their awards should inspire them to pursue greater achievements rather than regard the recognition as the end of their journey.

In the senior secondary category 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.

Those who participated in the junior secondary category were Babatope Kemi, Tubi Teniola, Iva Opatewa, Itu Zina, Obande McFranklin, Adeeyo Fifebomi, Gula Olivia, Faka Racheal and Mesele Tobiloba.

The awards ceremony also provided an opportunity to highlight the need for sustained investment in science education and the development of young scientific talent in Nigeria.

Odunnaike stressed that many gifted students require access to appropriate equipment, expert guidance and opportunities to practice their skills.

He called on professional organisations, including the Chemical Society of Nigeria, engineering professionals and other relevant bodies, to contribute expertise through mentoring, practical workshops, laboratory access and coach development.

He also invited companies, foundations, alumni, parents and friends of education to consider sponsoring schools and teams participating in Science Olympiad Nigeria.

Such support, he said, could help provide equipment, learning materials, tournament participation and travel assistance, while enabling students’ achievements to be recognised and celebrated.