By Our Correspondent

National News – The Grand Finale of the Maiden Mathematics and General Knowledge Quiz Competition, organized by the Medical and Education CDS Group, Saki West, was a remarkable celebration of intellect, energy, and youthful ambition.

Held on March 26, 2026, at the Saki West Civic Centre, the event brought together 27 secondary schools in a thrilling contest that tested knowledge, quick thinking, and teamwork.

The hall was alive with anticipation. Students in vibrant school uniforms filled the stage, teachers and parents cheered enthusiastically, and corps members orchestrated the event with precision.

The competition included three rounds: a preliminary round eliminating 17 schools, a semi-final, and a grand finale.

Buzzers, timed questions, and subjects spanning mathematics, science, general knowledge, and current affairs kept participants and the audience on edge.

Emomotimi Akamu Enoch – Organizer & President, Medical and Education CDS Group

The visionary behind the programme, Emomotimi Akamu Enoch, described the initiative as a mission to expand educational opportunities.

“I come from a typical village in Bayelsa State, and I have always loved education. I felt compelled to create opportunities for children who may not have access to quality educational programmes,” he said.

Akamu reflected on the energy and joy of the day. “Watching students compete, seeing teachers cheer, and feeling the excitement in the hall made me realize the impact of this programme. It shows that healthy academic competition inspires and empowers young minds.”

He extended gratitude to sponsors, volunteers, and community supporters. “We thank Accord, June Health Sink, the Majority Leader of Saki West Legislative Council, and my CDS members for making this event possible.”

“Their collaboration ensured a fair, engaging, and memorable experience for all participants.”

In his remarks, Hon. Alhaji Salaudeen Kabeer Adebayo, Majority Leader, Saki West Legislative Council, lauded the programme as “Well organized, rare, and wonderful,” emphasizing its potential to foster academic excellence and community pride.

He called for sustainability as it provides young people with a platform to showcase their talents, encouraging learning, and strengthening inter-school collaboration.

Also, Khalid Ajibade, former Director of Education & General Services, Saki West LGA, described the event as historic.

“I’ve seen many educational programmes in my career, but this corps members-led initiative is unique. Bringing 27 schools together in a structured, multi-round quiz is remarkable.”

Ajibade praised the interactive format, which combined buzzers, timed rounds, and diverse subjects.

“Students not only demonstrated knowledge but also critical thinking, teamwork, and composure under pressure. It was a holistic test of their skills.”

“This programme sets a benchmark for future educational initiatives in Saki West, fostering a culture of learning and competition that will inspire generations.”

In his remarks, Pharm. Fasasi Muideen Adigun, one of the sponsors & community partners, expressed pride in supporting the community-centered educational initiative.

“We are very fulfilled and proud of the students and corps members. Hosting this first edition was a meaningful way to give back to our community.”

He acknowledged the teamwork behind the scenes saying, “From corps members managing logistics to CDS members coordinating schools, everyone contributed to making the event successful and enjoyable.”

Muideen said, “We hope future editions continue, giving more students the opportunity to learn, compete, and excel academically.”

In his remarks, Corporal Bankole Tobiloba, a community observer, validated the innovation behind the programme.

“In my six years in Saki, I have never seen such a corps members-led initiative. It’s commendable and inspiring for the community.”

He observed the intensity of the rounds and suggested improvements. “Future editions could consider aligning subjects with school strengths to maintain fairness, but the excitement and learning opportunities were evident.”

“This is a fantastic start. I hope it continues, allowing more students to benefit academically and socially.”

The winner of the competition, Bolarinwa Soffiyyah, a student of Alaka College, was full of excitement and expressed thanks to the organisers of the event.

She said, “The questions encouraged us to think critically and prepared us for JAMB and NECO. The experience itself is invaluable.”

“Competing with peers from other schools was thrilling. It’s not just about winning; it’s about learning and growing.”

“Next year, I plan to come back stronger. Programmes like this motivate students to study harder and challenge themselves academically.”

Second place winner, Maruf Boluwatife, a student of Comfort Upward School, emphasized the social and educational benefits of the event.

She said, “Competitions like this help students discover their strengths and learn from each other. It’s a platform for both personal and academic growth.”

She praised the organizers’ meticulous planning. “Kudos to the corps members and volunteers who ensured the event ran smoothly. Their efforts created an engaging and fair competition.”

“I am excited for future editions to continue fostering learning and interaction.”

Also speaking, Olaniyi Daniel, third place winner, a student of Holiness Foundation College, also expressed gratitude to the medical CDS group for hosting the event.

He said, “The competition was well organized and challenging. I learned critical thinking and how to solve problems faster.”

He highlighted teamwork and strategic thinking saying, “It wasn’t just about answering questions. We had to stay composed, collaborate, and think quickly under pressure.”

From the buzzing halls of the Civic Centre to buzzer rounds, cheering audiences, and proud winners, the Saki West “Battle of Brains” demonstrated that community collaboration, educational innovation, and student talent can combine to create a landmark event.

Organizers, sponsors, government leaders, corps members, and students ensured that this maiden edition leaves a lasting legacy for education in Saki West.

List of schools that participated in the event:

Turath College, Christ Grammar School, Choice College of Science, Omolayo Schools and College, Muslim Senior Secondary School, Idea Academy Group of Schools, Rapid Success College, Mind City College, Community High School, Ayekale, Nawaru-deen High School, Islamic High School, Saki Parapo Community Grammar School, Alaka College, Al-Huffash Academy, Neo-Montessori Schools, Benefit Comprehensive College, Asabari Grammar School, Comfort Upward Schools, Community High School, Otun, Primrose Model College, Gboro Muslims College, Ultimate Schools and College, Holiness Foundation College, Distinct Model College, Command School of Science, Ar-Raheem Schools and College, Al-Imaan Schools and College.