The Covenant University Community Development Impact Initiative Committee (CU-CDIIC), recently hosted the 2024 Science Olympiad Nigeria National Tournament for both Division A and B finals, at the Covenant University Research, Innovation, and Discovery (CUCRID) Building.
The two-day tournament featured a range of challenging events for both Division A (Primary Schools) and Division B (Junior Secondary Schools). Events included Boggle Science, Mystery Liquid, Write It, Do It, Compute This, Disease Detectives, Food Science, Meteorology, and more, held across various laboratories and facilities at Covenant University.
In his opening remarks at the event, the Vice-Chancellor, Covenant University, Professor Abiodun H. Adebayo, commended the students for reaching this stage of the competition, emphasizing that their participation is a testament to their potential for success in life. He highlighted the importance of Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics (STEM) education in fostering innovation and equipping students with the skills needed to address global challenges.
Professor Adebayo encouraged the students to look beyond the competition and focus on how they can contribute to the development of Nigeria, Africa, and the world. He underscored the significance of discoveries and innovation in advancing society and urged the students to be active contributors to these fields.
The Chair, CU-CDIIC as well as the Ogun State Science Olympiad Tournament Director, Dr. Aderonke Asaolu, echoed same sentiments, stating that the event was a celebration of discovery, innovation, and the relentless pursuit of knowledge. She emphasized Covenant University's commitment to academic excellence and research, noting that the university is dedicated to nurturing young minds and providing them with the resources to explore the world of science. Dr. Asaolu encouraged the participants to embrace the spirit of camaraderie, push the boundaries of their knowledge, and enjoy the experience of the tournament.
Representatives from the Science Olympiad USA and the University of Chicago Science Olympiad teams also offered words of encouragement to the students, celebrating their achievements and wishing them success in the competition.
The representative of the President of the Nigeria Institute of Electrical and Electronics Engineering, Engineer Olalekan Olabode, addressed the young scientists, emphasizing that their journey is just beginning and that they have the potential to become future leaders in their fields. He cited the importance of perseverance and innovation, encouraging the students to remain dedicated to their goals.
The Secretary, Executive Committee on Innovation and Strategy, Chemical Society of Nigeria, Mr. Okeh Ochulo, highlighted the role of science in driving progress and development. He commended the participants for their enthusiasm and dedication, reminding them that they are the future scientists, leaders, and innovators who will guide the nation forward.
The award ceremony, held at CUCRID, concluded the tournament. In Division A, Treasure Stars International College, Iyana Ipaja, Lagos State, emerged as the winner, followed by Skyfield International College, Oba Ile, Akure, Ondo State in second place, and Kings Anchor College, Ikotun, Lagos State in third place.
In Division B, Treasure Stars International Nursery and Primary School, Iyana Ipaja, Lagos State, claimed the first position, Ifako International School, Ifako-Agege, Lagos State secured second place, and Giggles Montessori School took third place.
The tournament was attended by notable guests, including the Covenant University management team, representatives from the Science Olympiad USA team, the University of Chicago Science Olympiad team, the Science Olympiad Nigeria National Director, members of the Nigeria Institute of Electrical and Electronics Engineering, and the Chemical Society of Nigeria.
The event was a testament to the spirit of discovery and innovation that Covenant University strives to instill in its students and the university's commitment to fostering the next generation of scientific minds.
Participating schools included Kings Anchor College, Ikotun, Lagos State; Skyfield International College, Oba Ile, Akure, Ondo State; Treasure Stars International College, Iyana Ipaja, Lagos State; Giggles Montessori School, Iyana Ipaja, Lagos State; Ifako International School, Ifako-Agege, Lagos State; and Treasure Stars International Nursery and Primary School, Iyana Ipaja, Lagos State.
