—- Seat of Wisdom wins 2025 quiz competition

By Dayo Johnson Akure

Over 4,000 students in secondary, tertiary and vocational institutions across Nigeria, have been awarded scholarships by the Lift Above Poverty Organisation, (LAPO).

It’s President, Barr. Faith Osazuwa-Ojo, said this in Akure, the Ondo state capital, during the grand finale of the 2025 LAPO Annual Secondary School Quiz Competition.

Osazuwa-Ojo, said that the organization has since year 2008 improve educational standards and reduce poverty nationwide.

According to her, the organisation has equally donated books and learning materials to resource-poor schools, reinforcing its belief that poverty cannot be meaningfully addressed without quality education.

This years competition which was held at the Fonts Event Centre, Akure, saw Seat of Wisdom Catholic College, Alagbaka, Akure, emerge overall winner with 45 marks, followed by Model Secondary School, Alagbaka, Akure, which scored 35 marks, and Greater Tomorrow International College, Ikare-Akoko, which came third.

The President who was represented by Mr. Obadiora Honestus, said the quiz, instituted in 2006 in Edo State and expanded to Delta in 2015 and Ondo in 2023, was conceived to promote academic excellence, particularly in science subjects.

According to her “For nearly two decades, this quiz has been more than a competition—it is a deliberate intervention to reward diligence and stimulate intellectual growth,” she stated.

She noted that over 100 secondary schools participated in the preliminary rounds, adding that the finalists represented “the intellectual elite who have overcome demanding academic challenges.”

Lamenting the current challenges in the education sector, Osazuwa-Ojo, expressed concern over infrastructural deficits, lack of access to modern learning tools and low STEM engagement in rural communities.

She said that “There is a critical need to inspire commitment to science disciplines and provide resources that will prepare learners for the 21st-century economy.

Speaking the National Chairperson of the Organization for Women in Science for the Developing World (OWSD), Nigeria Chapter Prof. Folashade Olajuyigbe, who was the chairperson of the event, commended LAPO for its sustained investment in educational development.

Prof. Olajuyigbe“Beyond microfinance, LAPO has consistently nurtured young talent. This initiative proves that education is key to breaking the cycle of poverty”.

She equally encouraged participants to embrace problem-solving and innovation in a rapidly evolving world.

“Our children must move beyond memorisation. They should ask thoughtful questions, seek creative solutions and work collaboratively”.

While advocating for girl-child participation in STEM fields, Prof. Olajuyigbe charged the female contestants, saying: “You belong here. You are capable. You are powerful, and the world needs your brilliance.”

She urged students to uphold values of sportsmanship. “Celebrate your victories with grace and accept your challenges with determination. The real reward is the knowledge you’ve gained and the character you build,” she advised.

The State Education, Science and Technology, Commissioner Prof. lauded LAPO for supporting educational advancement and urged other organisations to emulate the initiative.

Speaking after the competition, Ariyo Opemipo, who represented Seat of Wisdom Catholic College, expressed excitement over the victory.

Opemipo said “the motivation will spur us to strive harder academically.”

The top three winning schools in the quiz competition, received science and laboratory equipment, among other educational support items from LAPO.