The BOMARAH Foundation has rewarded outstanding students, schools and teachers with cash prizes, medals and educational materials at the grand finale of its third annual schools competition held at the MUSON Centre, Lagos Island.
The competition, organised in collaboration with Lagos State Education District III, brought together students and teachers from selected junior and senior secondary schools to test their knowledge, communication skills, creativity and academic abilities.
Held under the theme, “Building Brighter Minds Through Healthy Competition,” the three day event featured spelling bee contests, quizzes, debates and a current affairs challenge for teachers.
The preliminary stages took place from October 7 to 8, 2026, at St George’s Primary School, Falomo, while the grand finale was held on Monday, October 12, at the MUSON Centre.
Five junior secondary schools participated in the competition: Falomo Junior High School, Ireti Junior High School, Girls Junior Grammar School, Okesuna Junior High School and Eko Akete Junior Secondary School.
At the senior secondary level, the participating schools were Falomo Senior High School, Ireti Senior Grammar School, Okesuna Senior High School, Girls Senior Secondary Grammar School and Eko Akete Senior Grammar School, Lagos Island.
At the end of the contests, the first prize winning school received ₦250,000, school bags, medals and other gift items. The second place winner received ₦150,000 and additional gifts, while the third place winner went home with ₦100,000 and other educational materials.
Teachers were also recognised for their performance in the competition. The first place winner received ₦200,000, while the second and third place winners were awarded ₦150,000 and ₦100,000, respectively, alongside other gifts.
In her welcome address, the President of the BOMARAH Foundation, Hajia Bola Muse, said the initiative had grown significantly since its introduction three years ago, reflecting the foundation’s commitment to supporting education and nurturing young talents.
“Three years ago, we started with a dream. Today, that dream is standing tall before you,” she said.
Muse explained that the competition was designed to promote academic excellence while helping students and teachers develop confidence, character, teamwork and creativity. She said education should go beyond examination results to equip young people with the skills and values needed to succeed.
Reflecting on the foundation’s activities, she said the first edition in 2024 focused on healing and building confidence, with five Lagos schools participating. The foundation also awarded full scholarships to 10 orphans and vulnerable children, a programme she said had continued.
She said the foundation expanded its reach in 2025 by involving 10 schools across Lagos State and neighbouring areas. It also introduced the Teachers Current Affairs Challenge to recognise teachers’ contributions to education and national development.
According to her, other initiatives introduced in the second year included a family food support programme that reached 750 families during Ramadan and Christmas, the distribution of more than 1,200 school bags, books and uniforms, and a capacity building workshop for teachers organised in partnership with the Nigeria Union of Teachers and the Teachers Registration Council of Nigeria.
The foundation also supported 100 widows and mothers with start up grants to strengthen their small businesses, she added.
Muse said the 2026 edition had attracted 20 registered schools and expanded the competition to include junior and senior secondary school quizzes, spelling bee contests, an advanced current affairs challenge for senior secondary school teachers, debates and STEM innovation.
She commended the sponsors, donors, technical partners, volunteers, organising committee, judges, school administrators and parents for their contributions to the programme. She also urged the students and teachers to value the knowledge, confidence and relationships gained through the competition, regardless of their final positions.
“The awards and medals are temporary, but the knowledge, confidence and friendship you gain here are permanent,” she said.
Muse expressed optimism that the initiative would help nurture future professionals and leaders capable of contributing to Nigeria’s development, while reaffirming the foundation’s commitment to educational advancement and community support.