The Lagos State Government has reaffirmed its commitment to agricultural education, innovation, and youth inclusiveness in the agricultural value chain through the Lagos Agricultural Scholars’ Quiz Competition, organized by the Ministry of Agriculture and Food Systems and Food Systems. The event, held at the Adeyemi Bero Auditorium, Alausa, Ikeja, brought together bright students from public secondary schools across the State to showcase their knowledge and passion for agriculture.
Speaking at the event, the Honourable Commissioner for Agriculture and Food Systems, Ms. Abisola Olusanya, described the competition as a strategic platform for nurturing the next generation of agricultural thinkers, innovators, and entrepreneurs who will drive food security and sustainable development in Lagos State. She emphasized that the initiative reflects the State Government’s continuous investment in education and human capacity as vital components of agricultural transformation.
Ms. Olusanya noted that the Lagos Agricultural Scholars’ Quiz Competition was designed to promote agricultural awareness, encourage academic excellence, and inspire young people to explore the numerous opportunities within the agricultural value chain. According to her, the competition seeks to stimulate students’ interest in agriculture, reinforce its importance in national development, and encourage the adoption of modern technologies and sustainable practices.
Speaking at the event held at Ikeja, She stated that the Lagos Agricultural Scholars’ Quiz Competition is not just a contest but an investment in the future of the State and the nation. “By inspiring young people to explore the vast opportunities in agriculture, we are preparing a new generation of thinkers, scientists, and entrepreneurs who will drive food security and sustainable development,” she said.
The Commissioner explained that participants were tested in key areas such as Crop Production, Animal Science, Fisheries, Soil Science, Agribusiness, and Agro-technology, reflecting the diversity and richness of the agricultural sector and the exciting prospects it offers for innovation and enterprise.
Earlier in his address, the Special Adviser to the Governor on Agriculture and Food Systems, Dr. Oluwarotimi Fashola, commended teachers and students from various schools across the State for their enthusiasm and participation in the Lagos Agricultural Scholars’ Quiz Competition. He described the event as a unique platform that continually showcases the brilliance, creativity, and growing knowledge of young students in agriculture. According to him, the Ministry looks forward to the competition every year as an opportunity to discover new talents and assess the progress made in strengthening agricultural education in Lagos State.
Dr. Fashola encouraged students to take pride in learning about agriculture, emphasizing that there is dignity in understanding and practicing it. He noted that one does not have to be a professional farmer to contribute to agricultural growth, as everyone can engage in small-scale efforts such as maintaining a home garden or cultivating crops around their schools or residences. “Agriculture is not just a profession, it is a way of life. Everyone can grow something, no matter how little,” he stated.
He explained that promoting small-scale agricultural practices among individuals and households can help reduce pressure on the food system while enhancing food availability across the State.
In his remarks, the Permanent Secretary, Ministry of Agriculture and Food Systems and Food Systems, Mr. Emmanuel Audu, commended the students for their outstanding performances and intellectual brilliance during the competition. He described the Lagos Agricultural Scholars’ Quiz as a testament to the State Government’s unwavering commitment to developing young minds and promoting knowledge-driven growth in the agricultural sector. According to him, the initiative aligns with the State’s strategic vision of positioning agriculture as a viable tool for youth empowerment, food security, and sustainable economic development.
Mr. Audu noted that the competition was not merely an academic exercise but a platform to ignite curiosity, creativity, and innovation among young people. He stressed that by investing in the intellectual and practical capacities of students, the State is laying a solid foundation for a future where agriculture becomes a career of choice and a catalyst for technological advancement. “What we are witnessing today is the future of Lagos agriculture , young people who are inquisitive, innovative, and ready to redefine the sector through modern practices and smart solutions,” he said.
He applauded the dedication of teachers, school administrators, and other stakeholders who continuously support the Ministry’s educational initiatives.
He encouraged the students to sustain their interest in agriculture beyond the classroom, assuring them that the Ministry will continue to create enabling platforms for their growth and exposure. He reaffirmed that the Lagos State Government remains committed to building a resilient agricultural system driven by knowledge, innovation, and the energy of its young population.
A total of 28 secondary schools across the State participated in the Quiz Competition, showcasing their knowledge, confidence, and passion for agriculture.
Fareedah Ayodeji of Ansar-U-Deen Senior High School and Divine Umeh of Lagos City Senior College shared inspiring stories that reflected how agriculture has positively shaped their learning experiences and personal growth.
Fareedah recounted her journey of cultivating pumpkin leaves, which she described as both practical and life-changing. Through the process, she learned the importance of patience, consistency, and attention to detail, values that have since influenced her approach to academics and everyday life. She noted that seeing the plants grow and flourish under her care gave her a deep sense of fulfillment and reinforced her belief that agriculture is not just about planting crops but also about nurturing perseverance and responsibility.
Similarly, Divine Umeh described how his Agricultural Science teacher played a pivotal role in inspiring him to view agriculture as a dynamic and promising sector with limitless opportunities. He explained that his exposure to classroom teachings, field activities, has helped him understand that agriculture is evolving beyond traditional farming into an innovative field driven by technology, creativity, and entrepreneurship.
Divine expressed his desire to explore agribusiness and agri-tech, emphasizing that young people can be key drivers of food security and sustainable growth if they embrace agriculture with passion and purpose.
Iganmu High School, Apapa, emerged as the overall winner, taking home a cash prize of ₦250,000 and a desktop computer. The school was represented by Olabisi Maruf and Kabiru Elizabeth, whose exceptional performance earned them the top position and the admiration of the audience.
The first runner-up position went to Government Model Girls College, which received a cash prize of ₦150,000 and a desktop computer. The school was represented by Balogun Aliya and Agbogun Darasimi, who displayed remarkable teamwork and composure throughout the competition.
Birch Freeman Senior Secondary School clinched the second runner-up spot, winning ₦100,000 and a desktop computer, with Ayodele Abdullah and Awotubo Darasimi representing the school impressively.
Olabisi Maruf of Iganmu High School, Apapa, who emerged as the overall winner of the Lagos Agricultural Scholars’ Quiz Competition, expressed immense joy and gratitude for the opportunity to represent his school and showcase his passion for agriculture. He described the experience as both exciting and transformative, noting that the competition deepened his knowledge of agricultural science and strengthened his confidence in pursuing the field further.
Olabisi thanked his teachers and teammates for their guidance and support, as well as the Lagos State Government for organizing a platform that recognizes and rewards academic excellence.
He expressed optimism that the victory would inspire other students to take greater interest in agriculture as a path toward innovation, self-reliance, and national development.
The students came fully prepared for the Quiz Competition, demonstrating impressive knowledge, confidence, and composure throughout the contest.
Press Unit
Ministry of Agriculture and Food Systems & Food Systems
15/10/2025
