200 Pupils Compete Across Lagos in Sweetthinkers’ Top 40 Academic Excellence Competition
In classrooms across Lagos, anticipation turned into action as 200 of the state’s brightest pupils converged for the Top 40 Academic Excellence Competition, the second stage of the Sweetthinkers Academic Excellence Award Initiative.
This stage brought together pupils from 20 Local Government Education Authorities (LGEAs) to compete simultaneously across Lagos West, Central, and East, in a day designed to celebrate learning, foster healthy competition, and spotlight academic excellence.
A Milestone in a Four-Stage Journey
Following a strong start in Stage One, where over 2,000 students from government owned primary schools participated in standardized paper tests, the top 200 pupils (10 per LGEA) progressed to the second stage — the Senatorial District Stage.
At this level, they competed across three venues:
- Lagos East: Multilingual International Resource Centre, Maryland
- Lagos Central: Fazelomar Hammdiár Primary School, Lagos Island
- Lagos West: Methodist Primary School Hall, Oshodi
Each venue buzzed with excitement as pupils tackled a rigorous 30 minute paper test, followed by on-site marking, tie-breakers, certificate presentations, and celebration of exceptional performances. Teachers, parents, and education stakeholders turned out in numbers, cheering as the future of Lagos education came alive before their eyes.
“Sweetthinkers is all about inspiring excellence, one challenge at a time,” said a representative of the initiative. “From over 2,000 pupils, we’ve narrowed down to 200 competing today across Lagos — and by the end of this stage, the best 40 are moving forward. But beyond the competition, the goal is to build mentorship, scholarship, and infrastructural support that empowers schools and pupils alike.”
Powered By Partnership
Behind this large scale effort is a growing network of sponsors who believe in the power of education.
This year’s Top 40 stage was powered by the generous support of Sweettooth Café, UAC Foods Limited, Hothobs Cuisine, and BOLAD Catering Services — whose contributions ensured seamless logistics, meaningful experiences, and continued visibility for public-school excellence across Lagos.
“Sweetthinkers is a lofty idea — a vision born from people who care deeply about tomorrow, about the future of our children, and the development of our state,” said Mr. Oladunmiye, Desk Officer for Co-Curricular Activities at Maryland LGEA. “What they are doing deserves to be praised and supported.”
Why It Matters
Sweetthinkers isn’t just rewarding bright pupils — it’s transforming schools and communities. The initiative ties academic success to infrastructural development, ensuring that when a child wins, their school wins too.
“We’ve been preparing our pupils even beyond class hours — spending extra time in the library, guiding them, asking questions, helping them think critically,” shared a teacher from USCC National Primary School. “Programs like this ignite a passion for learning and motivate children to stay in school and aim higher.”
“Real change starts from the grassroots,” added Olufunmilayo Olaniwun, Convener of Sweetthinkers. “By spotlighting young minds in our public schools, we’re laying the foundation for a stronger, smarter society.”
The impact goes beyond awards. It builds confidence, nurtures ambition, and gives public-school children a reason to dream bigger.
What’s Next: From 200 to 4
From the 200 pupils who competed across the three senatorial districts, 40 qualifiers emerged:
- 10 each from Lagos East and Lagos Central
- 20 from Lagos West
These top pupils will advance to Stage Three, a Computer-Based Test (CBT) round introducing technology-enhanced learning and assessment. From there, finalists will proceed to the Grand Finale, a live stage quiz designed to celebrate excellence, resilience, and the power of education.
Join the Movement
Sweetthinkers calls on corporate organizations, government agencies, and philanthropists to partner in sustaining this life-changing initiative.
By supporting Sweetthinkers, you’re not just sponsoring a competition — you’re investing in the future leaders of Nigeria.
Contact:
08057940742 / 08033057950
Instagram: @sweetthinkersinitiative
LinkedIn: Sweetthinkers Academic Excellence Award Initiative
Website: sweetthinkers.com
Conclusion
The brilliance is already there — Sweetthinkers is simply creating the stage for it to shine.
“Every stage reminds us that brilliance exists in every classroom,” said Olufunmilayo Olaniwun, Convener of Sweetthinkers.
“When we nurture it, we’re not just rewarding knowledge — we’re building futures, one school at a time.”
