Catalyst Clash, a chemistry-focused STEM competition for secondary school students, has concluded its inaugural edition in Lagos, with organisers planning to expand the initiative to 125 schools in 2027 after bringing students together to demonstrate their scientific knowledge and problem-solving abilities.
Anyigor Timothy, an SS2 student of Lagos State Senior Model College, Ojo, emerged the overall winner of the competition, which featured a written examination and a grand finale at Simple Field College in Lagos. The contest challenged participants to apply chemistry principles to practical situations rather than rely solely on textbook knowledge.
Brandspur Brand News reports that the competition focused on real-life scientific challenges, including indoor air quality, water contamination following heavy rainfall and chemical phenomena encountered in everyday life.
The final stage brought together 10 students from different secondary schools, with contestants assessed on their ability to reason through scientific questions and apply classroom learning to real-world problems.
Festus Ikeobi, an SS3 student of LASU International School, finished as the first runner-up, while Samuel Abraham Oluwagbabemi of Ajangbadi Senior High School, also in SS3, secured the second runner-up position.
The three leading students received recognition for their performances, while participants were presented with certificates, prizes and gift packages. Organisers also acknowledged the contributions of judges and volunteers who supported the competition.
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The judging panel comprised Chief Judge Anagun Olajide, Taiwo Samuel and Ayanyemi Adefunke.
Beyond the chemistry contest, the programme featured an interactive session on artificial intelligence and digital technology. Educator Abby, the Lagos State Youth Ambassador for Badagry, led the discussion titled “You, AI and the Digital World”, examining issues relevant to young people navigating an increasingly technology-driven environment.
Catalyst Clash founder Jeremiah Alabi said the successful delivery of the first edition was significant after facing doubts and rejection during the planning process.
The event also incorporated audience participation, motivational addresses and a rapid-fire quiz while organisers collated the contestants‘ scores.
Remlac Store supported the programme by providing bottled drinks for attendees and participants who answered questions correctly. The company also supplied vacuum cups presented to the top three contestants.
Organisers said the response to the inaugural competition had encouraged plans for a second edition, with a target of reaching 125 schools in 2027.
The expansion is expected to provide more secondary school students with opportunities to develop their scientific reasoning and engage with chemistry beyond conventional classroom instruction.
