A 30-student orchestra from the Honeyland School Abesan, Lagos, has been crowned the winner of the ninth National Inter-school Music Competition and Academic Award.
Honeyland School was crowned winner of the competition after a review and award presentation.
The school was presented with a cheque and trophy while the participating orchestra were presented with medals for coming tops after a review.
The ninth edition was held on February 13, 2025 at the University of Lagos but an error in marks allocation occurred to which a review committee was raised by the organisers.
However, on Friday, April 4, 2025, Honeyland School was awarded as the winner of the 9th edition with the theme ‘Music for social change.’
“At the grand event on February 13, 2025, at the Unilag Auditorium, an unfortunate miscalculation in the final results led to an incorrect declaration of the winners of the 9th Edition of this competition. After a thorough and transparent review, we have found that the rightful winners of this edition are Honeyland College,” Executive Director, the National Inter-school Music Competition, Olubunmi Adebowale said.
Adebowale further said, “To Honeyland College, we extend our sincerest congratulations. Your outstanding performance, dedication, and talent truly embody the spirit of this competition. The mistake at the main event was regrettable, but today, we set the record straight. You have earned this honor, and we celebrate you with the full recognition you deserve. To all participating schools, I want to assure you that this competition remains committed to fair play, credibility, and meritocracy. This correction is a testament to the fact that we will always stand for what is right, no matter the circumstances. We understand that such errors can shake confidence, but let this moment reassure you that integrity will always prevail here.”
In the same vein, David Abduljabba, Head, Review Committee said, “Upon careful and thorough review of all submissions, scores, and adjudications, the Review Committee has determined that Honeyland College is the rightful winner of the 9th Edition of the National Inter-School Music Competition and Academic Award. This correction is not merely an adjustment of results but a reaffirmation of our commitment to truth and excellence. To the students and teachers of Honeyland College, I extend my heartfelt congratulations. Your talent, hard work, and dedication truly reflect the values this competition was created to celebrate. Let this moment remind you that true victory is not just about winning but about knowing that your efforts are recognized and rewarded fairly. To all participating schools, I want to assure you that this review was conducted with the highest level of diligence.”
Speaking about his school’s success, the elated administrator of Honeyland School, Akinleye Akingbemi Oludayo, revealed that the organisers have displayed sheer integrity.
He said, “I have to give kudos to the organisers because it is not always easy to stand by the truth but they were particular about their integrity. We had taken our minds off the competition and we weren’t expecting it but it shows the organisers know what they are doing and they want to maintain their credibility and it is very important. They have shown credibility and integrity and they have done just that. We appreciate the organisers and it shows that we can always work together and keep our trust in them.”
The music director of Honeyland Schools, Adeniyi Abiodun Bamidele, said: “We keep preparing for competition and the school management has been very supportive of our progress. This is not the first time we are winning this competition but it feels great to win. On the inspiration of the song, it is God. We have done a newly composed song in Afrobeats and my instinct told me to do Reggae, something unusual, something new and we did it and to God be the glory. I can confidently say that Honeyland Schools introduced costumes into performance because before now, other schools gave their performances in school uniform. Our students are dedicated and the school management keeps supporting.”
