Lagos Schools Win N20m Scholarships, Cash Prizes at National Flag Football Contest
Lagos secondary schools were honored with a substantial reward package on Wednesday, March 11, following their outstanding performance at the 2024 Aketi Bowl II national flag football competition. The ceremony, held at the Ministry of Basic and Secondary Education, saw students and officials gather to celebrate the achievements of the winning teams from Ikeja Senior Grammar School, Oshodi, and Army Cantonment Girls Senior School, Ojo.
Scholarship Windfall for Winning Schools
The Nigerian American Football Association and the Nigeria Secondary School Flag Football League presented each winning team with scholarship awards valued at N20 million, a N1 million cash prize, and a trophy. This comprehensive package was designed to support academic growth while encouraging continued participation in organized sports. Organizers emphasized that the competition serves as a vital platform for identifying talent and promoting emerging sports among secondary school students nationwide.
According to the Lagos state government, the initiative brought together education and sports stakeholders to acknowledge the discipline, teamwork, and competitive excellence displayed by the students during the tournament held in Calabar, Cross River State.
State Backs Sports-Driven Education
Speaking at the event, Jamiu Alli-Balogun, Commissioner for Basic and Secondary Education, praised the organizers for expanding opportunities for young people through sports. He described athletics as an essential component of holistic education, supporting physical fitness, mental wellbeing, and character development. The commissioner reaffirmed the Lagos State Government's commitment to supporting initiatives that align education with youth development.
The ceremony also highlighted Lagos schools' consistent performance at the Aketi Bowl over recent years, reinforcing the state's reputation for competitive school sports. This dominance was particularly noted in the competition's history.
Organizers Hail Lagos Dominance
Lawrence Ojaige, Secretary General of the Nigerian American Football Association, expressed satisfaction with the level of play demonstrated by Lagos teams. He recalled that the state topped both the male and female categories in the competition's first edition in 2023 and noted that its absence from the 2025 event was strongly felt.
"Lagos Schools' absence in the 2025 edition was greatly missed, and I'm sure it was their absence that gave way to other winners," Ojaige stated. He added that the schools had brought pride to the state and deserved the recognition. Ojaige appealed for stronger backing from state governments to sustain the growth of secondary school flag football in future editions, highlighting its potential to nurture talent and broaden sporting options for students.
Broader Impact and Recognition
The event underscored the importance of integrating sports into educational frameworks to foster well-rounded student development. Officials commended the organizers for using sports to promote discipline, innovation, and holistic growth across schools. This approach aligns with broader educational goals that emphasize the value of extracurricular activities in shaping future leaders.
In a related development, it was previously reported that Solanke Francis Taiwo, a primary school teacher from Ogun state, received national recognition as the Overall Best Teacher in Nigeria for 2025, earning N50 million in cash, a brand-new car, and a fully furnished two-bedroom house. This highlights the ongoing efforts to reward excellence in Nigeria's education sector.
The success of Lagos schools at the Aketi Bowl II not only celebrates athletic achievement but also reinforces the critical role of sports in education, paving the way for future initiatives that combine academic and physical development.
