Zainab Abubakar wins N300,000 top prize at maiden Sweetthinkers Competition

 

Zainab Abubakar, a student of Lagos State Model Nursery and Primary School, Ikeja, has emerged as the overall winner of the maiden edition of the Sweetthinkers Competition, which is aimed at celebrating academic excellence, outperforming other contestants to claim the coveted prize.

For emerging as the overall winner with an impressive score of 39 points, Zainab received a cash prize of N300,000, educational sponsorship, a trophy, medal, Sweetthinkers hamper, and snacks courtesy of UAC Foods.

Peter Jegede, from Oluwole Nursery and Primary School, Lagos Mainland, secured second place with 35 points and was awarded a cash prize of N200,000, educational sponsorship, medal, Sweetthinkers hamper, and snacks from UAC Foods.

While Goodnews Oriamaja from First African Church Mission School 2, Ifako, finished in third place and received a cash prize of N100,000, educational sponsorship, medal, Sweetthinkers hamper, and snacks from UAC Foods.

Funmi Olaniwun, the convener of the competition, speaking at the event, described Sweetthinkers as a platform created from a simple but powerful belief that brilliance exists everywhere, even in communities where opportunities may be limited.

“The initiative was established to provide children with the encouragement, exposure, and opportunities needed to unlock their full potential and excel academically,” she said.

Olaniwun further explained that the competition progressed through several stages, beginning with more than 2,000 participants in the first round.

“Approximately 200 pupils advanced to the second stage in October 2025, demonstrating exceptional knowledge, confidence, and communication skills.

“The field was further narrowed to 40 outstanding pupils in the third stage before eight finalists emerged in March 2026 to compete in the Grand Finale,” she noted.

The Grand Finale, held in Lagos, marked the culmination of a rigorous competition that began on July 3, 2025 and attracted over 2,000 pupils from the 23 Local Government Education Authorities (LGEAs) across Lagos State.

Addressing the audience, the organisers expressed appreciation to participating schools, teachers, school administrators, parents, guardians, sponsors, partners, volunteers and members of the organising committee for their invaluable contributions to the success of the initiative.

“Education remains one of the strongest tools for national development. Through Sweetthinkers, we are committed to creating opportunities that challenge young minds to think beyond limitations and prepare them to become future leaders, innovators, and problem solvers,” the organisers stated.

The organisers of the Sweetthinkers Competition have celebrated the successful conclusion of the maiden edition of the academic initiative, reaffirming their commitment to nurturing excellence, critical thinking, and leadership among primary school pupils across Lagos State.

The event also recognised outstanding academic performance, with cash prizes, educational sponsorships, medals, trophies, and gift hampers awarded to the top performers.

They encouraged stakeholders to continue supporting young learners through sponsorship, mentorship, scholarships, and strategic partnerships to ensure that talent is never limited by circumstance.

As the maiden edition comes to a close, Sweetthinkers has reaffirmed its commitment to identifying, nurturing, and celebrating excellence among young Nigerians while creating pathways for educational advancement and future success.

Sweetthinkers is an educational initiative dedicated to discovering, nurturing, and celebrating academic excellence among primary school pupils. Through healthy competition, mentorship, and educational opportunities, the initiative seeks to inspire children to think critically, dream boldly, and achieve their full potential.