Honeyland Schools, located in the Abesan area of Lagos State, has been officially named the winner of the ninth edition of the National Interschool Music Competition and Academic Award. The school received a cash prize of N200,000, along with a trophy and medals for its orchestra members.
The competition, which took place on February 13, 2025, at the University of Lagos, initially experienced a mix-up in the allocation of marks. This prompted the organisers to set up a review committee to reassess the results. Following the review, Honeyland was formally announced as the rightful winner on Friday, April 4, 2025.
Held under the theme “Music for Social Change,” the event celebrated schools that showcased exceptional musical talent and academic excellence.
Executive Director of the competition, Olubunmi Adebowale, expressed deep appreciation for all the participating schools and offered a special congratulatory message to Honeyland. “Your outstanding performance, dedication and talents truly embody the spirit of this competition,” Adebowale said, while also apologising for the earlier error. He assured attendees that the organisers remain committed to fairness and credibility.
Reacting to the announcement, Honeyland School’s administrator, Akinleye Oludayo, praised the organisers for upholding integrity in the face of a difficult situation. The school’s music director, Adeniyi Bamidele, also shared insights into their preparation, revealing that a shift from an afrobeats concept to a reggae song helped set them apart. “It turned out well,” he said, expressing joy at reclaiming the title once again.
