By Ademola Orunbon
The third annual Adéwálé Students’ Conference and Inter-School STEM quiz competition ended in grand style with up to five million naira (₦5,000,000) worth of prizes shared amongst secondary school students from across Ogun State.
The event which held at the Ogun State NYSC Multipurpose Hall Sagamu, the academic conference and inter-school quiz competition marked the end of a yearlong process that started with a zonal qualifying round that involved 300 schools from 19 local government areas of the state.
Apt Scholars Universal College, Ota, won the Adewale STEM Contest 2023, becoming the winners for two consecutive years. They took home the grand prize of ₦1,500,000 for participants and a ₦300,000 cash prize for the teacher who guided the students to success.
Adedokun International Schools, Iloye were the first runner-up with ₦500,000, while The Ambassadors College and The Crescent Int’l School shared the honour of being second runner-up, each receiving the scholarship prize of ₦250,000 each.
All the quarter-finalists were rewarded with a scholarship prize of ₦100,000 each. Beyond the prizes, the keynote Speaker, Oluyemi Oloyede, Managing Director/CEO of UAC Foods, delivered an inspiring address on the theme: shaping the minds of world shapers.
He recounted how platforms like the Adéwálé Students’ Conference have helped shape his life to become who he is today. Most importantly, as a beneficiary of public school education from primary to tertiary level, he has taken the extra effort to be studious and become who he is today with excellent grades.
He encouraged the students to adopt three tenets of healthy competition – think differently, push the boundaries of possibility, and solve problems. “Do these things, and you will change the fortunes of Ogun State and Nigeria, and the world will also reward you handsomely,” he added.
In the same vain, the First Lady of Ogun State, H.E. Mrs. Bamidele Abiodun, represented by Mrs. Funke Oyeneye in her remarks said, “The importance of early education cannot be overemphasised, for it is the foundation upon which the future of our great state rests,”
She said, even as she pledged her continued support for ASC as it aligns with her commitment to education. This year’s event witnessed the introduction of a stimulating debate segment sponsored by GBFoods’ Bama, a leading mayonnaise brand in Nigeria with a long-standing heritage, noted that Bama’s support for ASC underscores its commitment to education and nutrition in building a brighter future for Nigeria by empowering young people and helping them reach their full potential.
Also, TweakCentric Solutions showed great support towards the event’s success as they are well invested in telling the championship story of great minds. As a content marketing company, this project has become a corporate social responsibility that aligns with its goal of supporting the growth of education in its surrounding communities.
In the closing remarks, the convener, Michael Adesanya, expressed his gratitude for the support shown to his vision of promoting STEM education in Ogun State.
“I set out with a mission to raise the next generation of talents for Africa’s transformation. I believe strongly that science and technology are the bedrock of innovations that will transform our continent in this fast-paced 21st century.
“But how do we find our very best talent without competition? Like the Olympics, the World Cup, and tennis Grand Slams, ASC is the platform for revealing the peak of human abilities in education. We will produce talents that will inspire and change our world.” he said
The Adéwálé Students’ Conference continues to celebrate academic excellence and advocates for supporting younger generations to become innovators and shape a better world.
The success of the Adéwálé Students’ Conference was made possible through the generous support of key partners: the Ogun State Ministry of Education, BAMA Mayonnaise Nigeria, and TweakCentric Solutions Limited. Their dedication to education and community growth was instrumental in making this event a resounding success. About Adewale Students Conference which is an annual educational program that inspires young people to become well-rounded individuals equipped with the knowledge they need to face the world beyond school.
The event features keynote speeches addressing topical issues and a trademark academic contest amongst students from various schools in Ogun State.
