Public school students have emerged top winners in 2018 edition of the PZ Cussons Chemistry Challenge.
The competition, which seeks to bring out the best in both students and teachers in secondary schools had about 3000 students participating this year.
Of the three top prizes, students of Abibat Mogaji Millennium Secondary School, Lagos won two, according the results released after the competition concluded in Lagos.
While one won the much-coveted PZ Cussons Chemistry Challenge (PZCCC) grand prize, the other emerged second runner-up.
Tadese Fatso of Abibat Mogaji Millennium School, Ojodu walked away with the grand prize of N1 million and a laptop. His colleague from the same school and second runner up in the competition, Iwuala Chibuzor, got a N500, 000 prize.
But the first runner-up, Adegoke Pelumi of New Hall International School who won a N750, 000 prize is the only private school student to emerge among the three.
EduCeleb.com reports that prior to their emergence as winners, the students that participated in the competition went through various rigorous stages since March this year when it all started.
Of the initial competitors registered and accredited, 97 made it to the second round in a state-wide qualifying test held in April while 24 were later screened to reduce the number of contenders to six in May. It was from these six that the final winners emerged in June.
Each of the top winners also won their schools a desktop and a set of laboratory equipment. The teacher of the first prize winner had a cash prize of N250, 000, that of the first runner-up got N150, 000, while the teacher of the second runner-up got a N100, 000 prize.
Result indicates good quality of public schools
Reacting to the development, the Permanent Secretary in the Lagos State Ministry of Education, Adebunmi Adekanye said the outcome of the competition indicated that public schools across the state are excelling academically.
She stated that government is doing a lot to improve the intelligence and innate ability that the students imbibe.
According to her, “In Lagos state, our schools are now undergoing a lot of restructuring. We are building schools and putting security and safety measures in place for our students’ wellbeing. We are going somewhere.
“The future of this state, country and indeed of the world lies in our hands and we are moulding them for this purpose. We know that by God’s grace and with purpose-driven efforts, we will get there.”
Winner overjoyed, organisers restate commitment to excellence
Fatso, the winner of the competition was overjoyed by his emergence. He thanked everyone who made the victory possible.
In his words, “I feel great emerging the winner of the 2018 challenge. I thank God for this achievement. I thank PZ Cusson for this, they should keep up the good work.”
Also, Human Resource Director of the company, Joyce Folake-Coker said the firm would continue to contribute to the economy and society to achieve a better tomorrow.
She stated that the Chemistry Challenge has created a lot of impact because it helps people appreciate the dignity of labour.
