Young minds, bright future, Helmbridge Science Challenge crowns new champions

Brilliance, determination, and scientific excellence took center stage as the Helmbridge Science Challenge crowned a new set of champions.

The competition brought together some of Nigeria’s brightest young minds, providing them with a platform to demonstrate their knowledge, creativity, and problem-solving abilities.

Wilfried Dieke, director at Helmbridge Study Centre, the organisers of the 2026 Helmbridge Science Challenge, said the competition is designed to develop much more than academic knowledge.

“The challenge tests students’ listening abilities, critical thinking, attention to detail, teamwork, and resilience under pressure, skills that are increasingly valuable in today’s workforce.

“We saw determination and resilience from the boys throughout the competition,” Dieke said.

Beyond celebrating academic achievement, the challenge continues to inspire a new generation of innovators equipped to contribute to the nation’s scientific and technological advancement.

Education stakeholders believe that through healthy competition and hands-on learning, such as the Helmbridge Science Challenge, young minds are inspired and equipped to become the next generation of innovators who will drive Nigeria’s future growth and development.

The competition held on Saturday had St. Gregory’s College emerge as champions of the 2026 edition, defeating St. Finbarr’s College by a 3-2 margin to win a prize money of N500,000 in one of Lagos’ longest-running science competitions.

Penny International College, which finished as second runner-up, received the sum of N200,000, while St. Finbarr’s College earned N300,000 as the first runner-up. WhiteSands School, which emerged as the winner in 2025, finished fourth.

Njemanze Anthony, the 15-year-old captain of St. Gregory’s College, said that preparation and teamwork were the keys to victory.

“We prepared very hard and worked together as a team. I believe we were better prepared than before,” he said.

Beyond the prize money, the annual competition highlighted the growing role of STEM education in preparing young Nigerians for a rapidly changing economy.

The competition brought together secondary school students from across Lagos State to compete in Physics, Chemistry, Biology, Mathematics, and General Knowledge through a multi-week knockout format.

One of the event’s strongest messages came from Ugonna Achebe of GuidED Initiatives, a nonprofit organisation focused on mentorship and career development.

Achebe announced plans to support the competition’s upcoming 50th anniversary celebrations through sponsorship and teacher recognition initiatives.

He stressed that many students enter universities without fully understanding career pathways and future workforce opportunities.

His organisation operates a Career Guidance Platform designed to help students understand their strengths, connect with mentors, and make informed educational decisions.

“We need to help students understand who they are and what opportunities exist for them,” Achebe said.

Oyewole Kushimo, former participant and consultant cardiologist, described the competition as one that helped build habits that remained useful throughout his professional career.

The competition, he said, encouraged students to read beyond their school curriculum and develop the discipline required for long-term success.

As organisers prepare for the competition’s 50th anniversary, they are calling for greater corporate sponsorship to expand prizes, support teachers, and strengthen opportunities for students.

In a country seeking to build a stronger knowledge economy, initiatives such as the Helmbridge Science Challenge are increasingly becoming part of Nigeria’s talent development and workforce development ecosystem.