Muslim Adewale has captured the spotlight as a top-performing student in Lagos. This 17-year-old, who graduated from Birch Freeman Senior High School in Surulere, Lagos, has achieved an outstanding result in the 2024 May/June West African Senior School Certificate Examination (WASSCE), coming out on top in Lagos Education District Six. His performance has earned him a scholarship award that is sure to inspire many.
Scholarship Award for Outstanding Performance
Muslim also achieved an impressive score of 302 out of 400 in the recent Unified Tertiary Matriculation Examination (UTME), a score that stands out especially as many candidates struggled this year. He received his award during the annual merit awards and honours ceremony organised by Education District 6, Lagos State, which recognises students, teachers, school staff, and administrators from the Ikeja, Mushin, and Oshodi-Isolo Local Government Areas.
The scholarship, worth ₦500,000, was sponsored by God’s Covenant Church of All Nations, Ikeja, as part of their commitment to supporting those in the community who need help.
Academic Achievements
Muslim is a science student who has excelled with 6 As, including in Mathematics, as well as 1 B3 and 2 C4 in other subjects during the WASSCE.
He is now awaiting admission to the University of Lagos (UNILAG) in Akoka, where he plans to study Computer Science.
A Story of Hard Work and Determination
Muslim’s family background adds depth to his achievement. His father, Mr. Rasheed Adewale, works as a commercial bus driver, and his mother, Mrs. Rasheedat Adewale, is a petty trader who sells pure water in front of their house.
Muslim shared his surprise about the award, saying that he was simply asked to dress formally for the event without being informed about the honour.
He mentioned that the scholarship will be a great relief for his parents, who were struggling to find ways to cover his university fees.
Despite their limited education, both parents understand the value of learning and are determined to give their children the best opportunities. Muslim’s elder sister is also a student, currently studying at Lagos State University (LASU) in Ojo.
Gratitude and Future Aspirations
Muslim expressed deep gratitude to his parents, the organisers, and the sponsors of the award. He dreams of becoming a computer scientist and making a positive impact on the community.
He also expressed a wish for more support from other organisations, whether public, private, or non-governmental, to ease his journey in education and reduce the stress on his parents.
Encouragement from District Leaders
At the award ceremony, Dr. Shareefah Yusuf, the Tutor-General/Permanent Secretary of Education District 6, congratulated Muslim and the other award recipients. She urged them to keep up their excellent performance and continue striving for more.
Dr. Yusuf also highlighted that more than 800 teachers were nominated for awards across different categories, with 36 eventually recognised. Other awards included Best Principals, Best Vice Principals, Best Heads of Departments, and honours for students who excelled in the 2024 WASSCE and Basic Education Certificate Examination (BECE).
She described teachers as the architects of the future and stressed that this event is designed to celebrate those who have shown excellence and encourage others to do the same.
Contributions from Community Leaders
Mr. Olusola Ajala, Chairman of Odi-Olowo/Ojuwoye Local Council Development Area (LCDA), who sponsored the Vice Principals’ award, spoke at the event. He said that supporting education is part of the government’s duty to encourage hard work in both teachers and students.
He also encouraged parents and community leaders to play a part in raising responsible children, especially when it comes to the use of social media.
Recognition for Dedication
Mr. Akintoye Hassan, the Chairman of the Nigerian Union of Teachers (NUT) in Lagos State, also praised the organisers for recognising excellence among teachers and students.
He described the awards as a wake-up call for those who are not fully committed to their duties. Mr. Hassan urged awardees to keep working hard and encouraged others to step up their dedication, emphasising that rewards for teachers are no longer confined to the future but can be seen here on earth for those who are committed.