In a society where quality education often depends on access and privilege, Sweetthinkers Academic Excellence Award Initiative is rewriting the narrative — one child, one school, one stage at a time.
Founded with the belief that every child, regardless of their socioeconomic background, deserves the opportunity to shine, Sweetthinkers is a Lagos-based non-profit using academic competitions to foster excellence in public primary schools. But it doesn’t stop there. This initiative goes further by directly improving school infrastructure in response to student performance, making excellence a shared reward.
“Sweetthinkers was born out of a simple belief — that every child, no matter their background, deserves a chance to shine. We’re not just rewarding brilliance; we’re building futures, one school at a time.” – Olufunmilayo Olaniwun, Convener, Sweetthinkers
A Movement Rooted in Action: Stage One Completed
The recently concluded Stage One of the competition marked a powerful start. Over 2,000 students from government-owned primary schools across 20 Local Government Education Authorities (LGEAs) sat for a standardized paper test, each hoping to represent their school and move closer to academic recognition.
At this stage, two pupils per school competed, with the top 10 students from each LGEA advancing to the next round — a format designed to ensure fairness and representation across the state.
Stage One wasn’t just a test of knowledge — it was a celebration of potential. It brought hope to classrooms, motivation to students, and visibility to schools that are too often overlooked.
What’s Ahead: A Four-Stage Journey to Brilliance
Sweetthinkers’ approach to educational impact is structured and inspiring. With Stage One done, here’s what’s next:
Stage Two: Senatorial District Paper Test – 200 top-performing students will compete across Lagos West, East, and Central. The best 30 (10 per district) will qualify for the next round and be paired with mentors.
Stage Three: Computer-Based Test – This stage introduces a tech-enabled format, where the top 30 finalists will be assessed individually with laptops at a single venue. Only 8 students will advance.
Stage Four: The Grand Finale – A high-energy, stage-based quiz show with a live audience, professional host, and a format worthy of the brilliance on display.
Each stage is more than a competition — it’s a public celebration of determination, talent, and resilience.
Why It Matters: Investing in the Future
Sweetthinkers isn’t just rewarding bright students — it’s transforming schools and communities. Through a unique model, the initiative ties academic success to infrastructural improvement, ensuring that when a child wins, their school wins too.
“Real change starts from the grassroots. By spotlighting young minds in our public schools, we’re laying the foundation for a stronger, smarter society.” Olufunmilayo Olaniwun, Convener, Sweetthinkers
The impact of this initiative goes beyond awards. It builds confidence, fosters healthy competition, and gives public school children a reason to dream bigger.
Join the Movement — Become a Partner for Change
Sweetthinkers is calling on corporate organisations, government agencies, and philanthropists to sponsor and support this life-changing initiative. If your CSR objectives align with education, children, or youth empowerment, this is the moment to make a real difference.
By supporting Sweetthinkers, you’re not just sponsoring a competition — you’re investing in the future leaders of Nigeria.
For partnership inquiries and sponsorship details, please contact:
Email address: info@sweetthinkers.com
Phone number: 08057940742/08033057950
Instagram: @sweetthinkersinitiative
LinkedIn: Sweetthinkers Academic Excellence Award Initiative
Website: Sweetthinkers.com
Conclusion
The brilliance is already there. Sweetthinkers is simply creating the stage for it to shine — and it’s a stage we all can help build.
