Falaye’s FSMO Rewards Excellence as Owo Celebrates Young STEM Stars

By Joseph Sunday

Excitement filled the Owo High School ICT Centre on Saturday, 11th of July, 2026, as students, teachers, community leaders, parents, and dignitaries gathered for the 2026 Falaye Science and Mathematics Olympiad (FSMO) Award and Prize-Giving Day.

The ceremony honored outstanding secondary school students in science and mathematics across Owo Local Government Area, underscoring FSMO’s mission to discover, nurture, and reward academic excellence.

Centered on innovation and academic achievement, the event attracted leaders from education, traditional institutions, and religious bodies, all united to advance STEM education.

FSMO was founded by Dr. Foluso Falaye, who attended with his sister, Mrs. Akinola (née Falaye), reaffirming the family’s commitment to youth empowerment through education.

Chairman of the occasion, Hon. Saheed Aminu, described FSMO as “a strategic intervention capable of producing Nigeria’s next generation of scientists, engineers, doctors, and innovators.”

He commended Dr. Falaye’s investment in young minds and urged students to remain disciplined, adding that “education remains society’s greatest investment.”

In his remarks, FSMO Anchor Dr. Kehinde Adenegan recounted “The Untold Story of FSMO,” tracing its start in 2024 when Dr. Falaye launched the initiative to revive interest in science and mathematics.

“What began as a modest idea has grown in participation, credibility, and public trust,” Adenegan said.

He noted that FSMO is inspiring gifted students and fostering stronger collaboration among schools and educators.

He called on alumni associations, corporate bodies, and philanthropists to partner with FSMO to expand its reach beyond Owo.

Engr. Kayode Ijalana, a U.S.-based Cloud Engineer from Owo, urged students to embrace technology and digital innovation. “Science and mathematics aren’t just subjects, they’re tools for solving real-world problems in a fast-changing economy,” he said.

Goodwill messages reinforced the theme of excellence with character. High Chief Joshua Aladenusi congratulated the organisers and advised students to pair academic success with integrity.

Rev. Canon Omileyinju, representing the Lord Bishop of Owo Anglican Diocese, praised FSMO for promoting both academic and moral development, noting that “knowledge is most impactful when guided by character.”

Chief Imam of Owo Kingdom, Sheikh Yunus Abdullah Anola, described education as a unifying force for peace and transformation, encouraging students to pursue knowledge diligently.

Mr. Samuel Kayode Ojo, representing the Tutor-General, commended FSMO for complementing government efforts to raise standards through healthy academic rivalry.

Mr. Toluwalase Fasawe, ANCOPSS Chairman for Owo Zonal Office and Principal of Imade College, thanked the sponsor for boosting students’ enthusiasm for STEM subjects.

The highlight of the ceremony was the presentation of medals, trophies, certificates, and cash prizes totaling the sum of N6 million.

Top winners:

• Festus-Komolafe Favour, AUD Grammar School — ₦200,000
• Julius Oluwadarasimi, Greatprint School — ₦150,000
• Adenegan Eriayomi, Greatprint School — ₦100,000.

Other finalists received between ₦25,000 and ₦50,000. Teachers and participating schools were also recognized for their dedication.

In his closing remarks, Dr. Adenegan, a first-class mathematics graduate and FSMO anchor, appealed to Owo indigenes to support the Olympiad’s expansion. “Our goal is to reach more students in Owo LGA and eventually grow FSMO into a state-wide and national competition,” he said.

The 2026 Award and Prize-Giving Day ended on a high note, with parents and guests applauding the event’s transparency and inspiring atmosphere.

FSMO continues to demonstrate that targeted investment in education is a powerful pathway to national development.