YHAN hosts maiden lab competition in FESTAC town to promote historical learning
The Young Historian Alumni Network (YHAN) on Friday welcomed students, parents, and special guests to Foresight International Schools in Festac Town, Lagos, for its inaugural History Lab Competition — an initiative aimed at inspiring secondary school students to develop a deeper interest in history.
The event began with a welcome address by YHAN President, Onimole W. Boluwatife, followed by opening remarks from Ms. Ritmwa Gokir of the Restored Heart Foundation (RHF), the non-profit organization behind the YHAN initiative.
The quiz session, led by quizmaster Izima Ugochinyere, identified four top scorers—Odugbesan Nathaniel (JSS3), Olaleru Geraldine (SS2), Nwafor Oluchukwu (JSS1), and Ngene Goodnews (SS2)—who advanced to the debate stage. Prior to announcing the finalists, Justice Amoniyan, President of the Students’ Society of History and International Studies at Lagos State University, delivered a brief speech emphasizing the importance of history education.
The debates, anchored by Adedeji Aderounmu, focused on motions regarding regional governance, state creation, and the role of traditional institutions in modern Nigeria. The judging panel included Ms. Gokir, Mr. Aderounmu, Justice Amoniyan, and a representative of the Student Historical Society of Nigeria, UNILAG Chapter.
Olaleru Geraldine emerged as the overall winner after debating the final motion on the relevance of traditional institutions. Odugbesan Nathaniel placed second, while Ngene Goodnews finished third.
Prizes, including uniforms, notebooks, and school bags, were awarded to the top performers. On behalf of YHAN, RHF also donated ₦100,000 worth of history books to the school library.
The event concluded with a vote of thanks by the school proprietress, Mrs. Adeyemi, who commended the students, parents, and organizers for their commitment to sustaining interest in historical studies among young Nigerians.
