By Sylva OBASI
It was a moment of excitement and celebration for schools in Lagos State as pupils and teachers advanced to the finals of the 3rd edition of the Bomarah Foundation Schools Competition.
The participating schools were selected by the Lagos State Education District III, in a competition designed to empower educators and promote excellence in education.
The three-day competition featured Spelling Bee for Junior and Senior Secondary Schools, Quiz, and Debate for both teachers and students. Five schools were selected from a total of 25 schools in Education District III.
At the junior level, the participating schools were 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 level 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.
The competition held from October 7th to 8th at St. George’s Primary School, Falomo, while the grand finale was held on Monday, October 12th, 2026 at the MUSON Centre, Lagos Island.
At the end of the keenly contested competition, winners smiled home with cash prizes and gifts.
For the schools category:
– 1st Prize: N250,000 cash, school bag, medal and other gifts
– 2nd Prize: N150,000 cash and other gift items
– 3rd Prize: N100,000 and other gift items
For the teachers category:
– 1st Prize: N200,000
– 2nd Prize: N150,000
– 3rd Prize: N100,000 plus other gift items
In her welcome address at the grand finale, the President of Bomarah Foundation, Hajia Bola Muse, said, “Three years ago, we started with a dream. Today, that dream is standing tall before you.”
Speaking on the theme for this year’s competition, “Building Brighter Minds Through Healthy Competition”, Hajia Muse said the theme captures the Foundation’s mission.
“We believe true education is not just about passing exams, but about building character, confidence, collaboration and creativity. Healthy competition is the furnace where brighter minds are forged,” she said.
Reflecting on the journey so far, she explained:
Year 1 – 2024 (Heal & Build Confidence): The Foundation began with five schools in Lagos State, with motivational speakers, and awarded full scholarships to 10 orphans and vulnerable children, which has been sustained till date.
Year 2 – 2025 (The Growth): Expanded to 10 schools across Lagos State and environs. Introduced the Teachers Current Affairs Challenge, launched Family Support Food Drive reaching 750 families during Ramadan and Christmas, Back-to-School Project distributing over 1,200 school bags, books and uniforms, Teachers Capacity Building Workshop in partnership with NUT and TRCN, and Widows and Mothers Small Business Support empowering 100 women.
Year 3 – 2026 (The Harvest): This 3rd edition is elaborate with 20 schools registered. Four categories: JSS Quiz, SSS Quiz, JSS/SSS Spelling Bee, and SSS Teachers Current Affairs (Advanced). Debate and STEM Innovation were also added.
Hajia Muse appreciated sponsors, donors, partners, volunteers, judges, principals, parents and competitors.
“To our major sponsors and donors who funded prizes, logistics and scholarships, may Allah replenish your pockets in multiple folds,” she prayed.
“To our competitors – I say this: The award and medal is temporary, but the knowledge, confidence and friendship you gain here is permanent. Whether you take first, second or third, you are all winners of Bomarah Foundation.”
She added: “As I declare this 3rd Edition Grand Finale open, I pray that from this hall will emerge future doctors, engineers, teachers, leaders and innovators who will make Nigeria proud.”
