The Lagos State Government has honoured pupils and students who emerged winners in the 2025 edition of its annual schools’ essay competition, presenting them with trophies, school bags, notebooks and other learning materials at an award ceremony held on Tuesday at the Education Resource Centre, Ojodu-Berger.
Fourteen-year-old Amirat Abdulyekini of Ifesowapo Senior Secondary School, Aboru, topped the Senior Secondary School Category, outperforming Mantori Zaradeen of Birrell Avenue Senior High School, Yaba, and Adekoya Omowonuola of Eva Adelaja Girls Senior High School, Bariga, who came second and third respectively.
In the Junior Secondary School division, Oluwaseun Gabriel of Community Junior Secondary School, Bayeku, clinched the top prize, while Akinola Akinyemi Mathew of Methodist Junior High School and Patrick Rhoda Sesi of Araromi Ilogbo Junior Grammar School placed second and third.
At primary level, Yusuf Folorunsho of Community Primary School, Oke-Odo, won first place. Yekini Moridiat of Dairy Farm Nursery/Primary School, Agege, and Khadijah Sulaiman of Bishop Ajana Memorial Primary School, also Agege, came second and third.
The students wrote essays on issues of global relevance, including environmental sustainability, artificial intelligence, and the role of technology in modern education.
Speaking at the ceremony, the Permanent Secretary, Ministry of Basic and Secondary Education, Mrs Abisola Dokunmu-Adegbite, said the competition encourages critical thinking, broadens knowledge and improves academic performance.
She congratulated both the winners and their teachers, assuring that the state government would continue to invest in policies that support learning and prepare students for future opportunities.
Earlier, the Director of Co-curricular Services, Mrs Oluyemisi Adebesin, described the competition as an important platform for young people to express ideas on issues affecting society.
She noted the “impressive quality” of this year’s entries, adding that the initiative promotes creativity, healthy rivalry and strong writing skills across all six education districts.
Sharing her experience, senior category winner Amirat said she studies beyond classroom expectations and frequently undertakes online research.
She expressed gratitude to the state government and the education commissioner, Mr Jamiu Alli-Balogun, for providing young people with opportunities to showcase their talents. She hopes to pursue a career in cybersecurity.