Author: Mr Afolabi Akinola
The College of Basic, Applied and Health Sciences (COLBAHS) of Glorious
Vision University (GVU) Ogwa (formerly Samuel Adegboyega University), in collaboration with the Nigeria Volunteer Network,
on Friday, 20th June, 2025, successfully organised the School Challenge competition titled "Education for Sustainable Communities.
The event brought together five selected secondary schools across Edo State
to engage in intellectually stimulating activities.
In his welcome address, the Acting Dean of COLBAHS described the theme as
timely and relevant, noting that meaningful societal development must begin with foundational education. He said the
college under his watch have been involved in collaborations with Pax herbal Clinic and Research Laboratories in 2019
and 2022 as well as with three International professional bodies and an international University in 2024 to organize
conferences and exhibition.
He commended the Nigeria Volunteer Network for its partnership in
advancing the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) through educational initiatives. He also encouraged
participating schools to view the challenge as an opportunity for academic growth and exposure. Finally, he said that
the participating schools cut across three local government areas of Esan Land; Esan South East, Igueben and Esan. West.
Representing the Nigeria Volunteer Network, Mr Vincent Odigie highlighted the critical role of education in achieving sustainable development. He urged students to take the competition seriously, as it was designed to stimulate learning and critical thinking.
The Vice-Chancellor of Glorious Vision University officially declared the event open. In his remarks, he expressed appreciation to the Nigeria Volunteer Network for partnering with the university and praised the Acting Dean of COLBAHS for his visionary leadership. He welcomed all participating schools and encouraged the students to make the most of the experience.
he five participating schools in the Schools Challenge 2025 were:
- Agadaga Secondary School, Ewohimi
- Delight Some International School, Ogwa
- Sholem Intensive school, Ogwa
- Ogwa Grammar School, Ogwa
- Cherish Kids Perfect Guide Academy, Ebelle
.
Pupils of GVU model school were on ground to learn from the event.
The event also featured two enlightening talks delivered by Dr Adriel Ekozin and Mr Vincent Odigie, titled
"Understanding Substance Abuse: Its Effects and How to Prevent It" and Little Actions, Big Results” and respectively.
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- 1st Place: Agadaga Secondary School, Ewohimi - ?30,000 cash prize and a certificate of merit.
- 2nd Place: Delight Some International School, Ogwa - ?20,000 cash prize and a certificate.
- 3rd Place: Ogwa Grammar School, Ogwa - ?10,000 cash prize and a certificate.
Quiz Competition:
- 1st Place: Cherish Kids Perfect Guide Academy, Ebelle - ?30,000 cash prize and a certificate of excellence.
- 2nd Place: Agadaga Secondary School, Ewohimi -?20,000 cash prize and a certificate.
- 3rd Place: Sholem Intensive School, Ogwa -?10,000 cash prize and a certificate.
All participating schools were presented with certificates of participation by the organisers.
As part of the day's activities, the visiting schools had the opportunity
to tour the College's ultra-modern laboratory facilities, including the Department of Nursing Science, Medical Laboratory
Science, Microbiology and other departments in the College of Basic, Applied and Health Sciences. The visit exposed the
students to the state-of-the-art equipment and the university's learning environment.
The Schools Challenge 2025 was a commendable initiative aimed at fostering
academic excellence, civic responsibility, and a commitment to sustainable development among secondary school students in Edo
Central Senatorial district of Edo State.
The event attracted all members of staff from the College of Basic, Applied and Health Sciences (COLBAHS), including the Acting Dean of the Student Affairs Division, Sub Dean of Postgraduate, as well as several other staff from across the university community.
