By: Manoah Kikekon
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| Oyeyipo Maria Fiyinfoluwa |
Oyeyipo Maria Fiyinfoluwa, the Head Girl of Lagos State Model Senior College (LSMSK), Kankon, Badagry, has soared to national prominence by emerging as the 2nd Best Head Girl in Nigeria.
The recognition was bestowed upon her at the highly competitive 2025 National Head Girl Competition, orchestrated by the Women in Leadership Advancement Network (WILAN), held on the 14th of October at the Mike Adenuga Centre in Ikoyi.
The national stage was set for a fierce contest of intellect, leadership, and vision, drawing the most exceptional female student leaders from across the federation. Maria, representing Lagos State, stood tall among a formidable pool of participants from 19 states, successfully navigating the rigorous selection process to secure a coveted spot among the top five national finalists. Her journey to the finals was a testament to her exceptional capabilities and the quality of leadership being nurtured in public schools in the Badagry division.
Maria's groundbreaking path to the podium was paved with creativity and a practical solution to a common academic challenge. Under the expert guidance of her Mathematics teachers, Mr. Adewale Ajose and Mr. Babatunde Olowookere, she conceived and developed “MENSOPOLY”—an ingenious academic board game specifically designed to demystify Mathematics and make learning the subject an engaging and enjoyable experience.
This unique project, which transforms complex equations and concepts into interactive play, captivated the panel of judges, earning her not only the second-place title but also a significant prize money of N750,000 and nationwide acclaim.
The entire school community is basking in the glow of her achievement. Her Class Teacher, Mr. Augustine Kiki, could not contain his pride, describing Maria as a paragon of creativity and discipline.
He commended her unwavering dedication and was quick to extend appreciation to the school's management, led by the Principal, Mr. Kolawole Ayeni, for fostering an environment that encourages and rewards academic excellence and innovative thinking. "This achievement is a reflection of what can happen when a student's talent is supported by a dedicated system," Mr. Kiki stated.