Lagos govt rewards top six WASSCE students with cash gifts

The six students who achieved the best results in the 2023 West African Senior School Certificate Examination (WASSCE) in Lagos State public schools have been rewarded. The students, representing each of the six educational districts in the state, received a cash gift of N1 million for the overall best performer and N200,000 each for the remaining five.

The students are as follows:

• Daniel Akinkunowo from Government Senior Model College, Ikorodu
• Ruth Jacob from Obele Commercial Senior High School, Randle, Surulere
• Raphael Mulero from Ilupeju Senior Grammar School, Mushin
• Naomi Akintunde from Keke Senior High School, Agege
• Rihanat Bello from Olomu Commercial Senior Secondary School
• Misimau Asokere from Ajara Comprehensive Senior High School, Badagry.

These students received their dummy cheques during an event organized for this purpose at the office of the state’s Commissioner for Basic and Secondary Education, Mr. Jamiu Alli-Balogun, at Alausa, Ikeja.

Speaking at the event, the commissioner expressed gratitude to the organizers and the award’s sponsor, Chronicles Nigeria Limited, a software development company. He acknowledged their significant contribution as part of the company’s social responsibilities, supporting the government’s investment in education. The commissioner urged other corporate organizations and individuals to support the government in preparing children for leadership roles now and in the future.

He congratulated the award recipients and their parents, emphasizing the importance of remaining focused and committed to their studies. Additionally, the commissioner urged parents to ensure prompt payment of taxes to the government, emphasizing that taxes are crucial for providing necessary amenities and social services, including quality education.

The commissioner assured that the state government would persist in implementing its free education policy, particularly at primary and secondary school levels, to continuously produce fit-for-purpose future leaders. He highlighted that the Lagos State government annually covers the registration fees for all SS3 students to sit for WASSCE, conducted by the West African Examinations Council (WAEC).

In his remarks, Mr. Oluwatosin Koyejo, the co-founder and CEO of Chronicles Nigeria Limited, explained that the award aims to reward and celebrate excellence among students. Koyejo announced an increase in the total prize money from N2 million to N5 million for the next year, with an expanded number of beneficiaries and an extension of the initiative to other states.

He encouraged the students, many of whom are already in university, to strive for academic excellence, emphasizing the significant role of quality education in societal development. Koyejo shared that Chronicles Nigeria Limited uses its SuccessBox App, a digital learning material platform, to power the award project, now in its eighth year.

Master Daniel Akinkunowo, the overall best performer who is currently studying Law at the University of Lagos (UNILAG) Akoka, expressed gratitude to Chronicles Nigeria Limited for the honor and to the Lagos State government for providing a platform for them to shine. He commended both efforts as commendable and encouraging.

Daniel, the youngest in a family of three and now 16 years old, achieved 7As, including in English language and Mathematics, and 2B3 in his 2023 WASSCE. He also scored 304 in JAMB’s UTME in the same year. Daniel asserted that serious students in public schools, despite enjoying free education, can compete favorably with peers from high-profile private schools, often surpassing them in academic achievements. He mentioned that, except for rare occasions when he came second in class, he consistently secured the first position and aims to maintain this momentum at UNILAG.