The Lagos State Government has recognized the exceptional students who excelled in the 2023 West African Senior School Certificate Examination, WASSCE, by awarding them N2 million.
The cash prizes were distributed to the beneficiaries from six educational districts in partnership with a private organization, Success Box Academic Excellence Award.
At the event held on Tuesday at the Conference Room of the Ministry of Basic and Secondary Education, Alausa, the Commissioner for Basic and Secondary Education, Mr. Jamiu Alli-Balogun highlighted that the state government is dedicated to enhancing its educational system by hiring qualified teachers and providing them with regular training to compete globally.
Alli-Balogun, who praised the students for their achievements, mentioned that they have demonstrated competence and shown the quality of education they have received from their teachers, while also pledging ongoing support for the improvement of primary and secondary schools in the state.
The Commissioner stated that Lagos State government can proudly showcase public schools that rival any schools worldwide, based on the students' performance and the government's commitment to education and organization of educational events.
“We also appreciate our teachers who show that they can teach our students and enable them achieve the future that we want for them to attain as well as prepare the students for their career path. And that is the essence of the motivation that comes in terms of cash award for the students to augment their finances, particularly some of them that have already gained admission into higher institutions of learning.”
The technical partner and Chief Executive Officer of Chronicles Software Development Company, Mr Oluwatosin Koyejo, also stated that the Success Box Academic Excellence Award was created to recognize students in Lagos State public schools for their academic progress.
According to Koyejo, the main essence of the initiative is to encourage students to improve their learning process.
Koyejo added that the N2 million would increase to N5 million next year and assured to involve more students in the initiative and extend the award beyond Lagos State.
The sum of N1 million was awarded to Akinkuowo Daniel Olatishe, with Akintunde Naomi, Jacob Ekeminabassi, Mulero Rahael Bello, Rihamat Ajoke, and Asokere Mawanu receiving N200,000 each.
On behalf of the award recipients, Oluwatise Akinkuowo, who obtained the best WASSCE result in Lagos public schools and received an award of over N1 million, thanked the state government for providing a supportive learning environment and involving students in academic competitions. He also expressed gratitude to the teachers for their dedication and efforts.
