Education
Nigerian pupil Oluwademilade Odumuboni makes history, wins global Toyota art contest grand prize
Nigerian pupil Oluwademilade Odumuboni makes history, wins global Toyota art contest grand prize
A Nigerian schoolchild, Oluwademilade Odumuboni, has emerged a global grand prize winner of the 2022/23 edition of the Toyota Dream Car Art Contest.
The 10-year-old boy, a pupil of Corona School, Gbagada Lagos, competed and won the coveted prize at the 16th edition after beating 782,852 other contestants from 90 countries.

He went beyond and above the 18 Global Best Finalists to win the Global Grand Prize, according to Toyota.
The event is organised annually by Toyota Motor Corporation (TMC), Japan for schoolchildren all over the world, challenging them to draw their dream cars with inspirational idea.
Master Odumuboni’s drawing, a waste converter, with the concept of helping countries, especially African communities, in food production and ensuring clean environment, was adjudged the best globally.
He was on Saturday September 2 celebrated and presented with the prize money of $5,000, a trophy, and a certificate at a special ceremony organised by Toyota Nigeria Limited (TNL) in Lagos on behalf of the TMC of Japan.
His school, Corona, was also given $10,000 prize money.
The prize money awarded to Demilade and to the School is meant strictly for educational purposes.
His Art teacher, Mr Ojeagbega Oserogho, received a laptop for helping the gifted boy to excel.
Managing Director, Toyota (Nigeria) Limited, Mr Kunle Ade-Ojo, said at the Saturday ceremony, “We are very excited and elated. Indeed, we are very proud of the feat that Demilade achieved by also placing Toyota (Nigeria) Limited in the forefront of distributors globally.”
He said the Nigerian star boy “dared to dream and his unique idea and dream, today has placed him and Nigeria on the global map of one of the largest Global Art Contests for children.
“His unique and truly inspirational idea expressed in an equally creative drawing earned him a global grand prize in the contest beating over 782,852 contestants from 90 countries/regions.”
Ade-Ojo recalled that while the parent company, TMC of Japan, initiated the contest in 2004, Toyota Nigeria keyed into it four years later as a corporate social responsibility initiative to help children express their imagination of a future car through drawing.
With Oluwademilade’s victory on the global stage, the TNL MD declared that his company felt fulfilled with its efforts of 15 years finally crowned.
“Apart from the shield and prize money from Toyota Motor Corporation that Demilade will be going home with, Toyota (Nigeria) Limited will also present a certificate and trophy to him,” he added.
The contest, he said, was also meant to drive the children to imagine a peaceful world full of smiles and to promote a friendly society.
“This way, Toyota is also cultivating a lifetime friendship with all these children while encouraging them to care for our planet and push their imagination beyond limits,” he stated.
Giving some details about the competition, Ade-Ojo said annually, like other participating countries, three winners are picked in Nigeria from each age category: Category 1 (children not older than seven years); Category 2 (8-11 years); and Category 3 (12-15 years old), making nine winners.
The shortlisted nine national winners and their drawings are sent to Japan to compete with other drawings received from all over the world.
“Our Demilade is one of these three grand prize winners globally. He has been awarded 5,000 USD and his school, Corona School, Gbagada, has been awarded 10,000 USD.”
The ceremony was attended by parents of the star prize winner, family members, selected pupils from the school and their teachers led by the Head Teacher, Henrietta Eguagie.
Also in attendance were the three judges that shortlisted the drawing in Nigeria for the world competition.
Eguagie commended Oluwadamilade for his remarkable achievement that had brought glory to the school.
She also hailed Toyota for the initiative of inspiring young people to unleash their creative expression and artistic potential.
“As one of Nigeria’s leading educational institutions, we are dedicated to utilising this prize money in a manner that directly benefits the learning experiences and development of our students.”
Specifically, Eguagie listed areas they plan to invest the money as Toyota Dream Car Endowment Fund, Oluwademilade grant for art, establishment of art gallery and exhibition, digital art studio, art and tech competition, among others.
The star boy, in his response expressed gratitude to the TNL and the TMC of Japan for the opportunity to express himself through art; as well as his school, art teachers, parents for their encouragement.
“I appreciate Toyota for this award and for believing in a little child like me..I’m also grateful for the big award shield; I’ll surely display it in my room and admire it every day when I wake up in the morning. This experience has taught me that hard work pays and that we should never give up.”



Education
Germany Opens Fully Funded Scholarships for Nigerians, Africans
Germany Opens Fully Funded Scholarships for Nigerians, Africans
The government of Germany has announced the commencement of applications for the DAAD scholarship 2026 for Nigerians and Sub-Saharan Africans, offering fully funded opportunities for postgraduate study and research.
The programme, administered by the German Academic Exchange Service, is open to qualified graduates and postgraduates seeking to further their education in Germany’s top universities.
In an official announcement, authorities confirmed that the application deadline is April 29, 2026, urging interested candidates to submit their entries early due to the competitive nature of the scheme.
Opportunities for Nigerians and Africans
The Germany DAAD scholarship covers a wide range of disciplines, including engineering, public health, environmental sciences, economics, governance, and social sciences.
Germany remains a top destination for international students due to its tuition-free or low-cost education system, strong research infrastructure, and globally recognised academic standards.
READ ALSO:
- Kwara Governor Mourns 5 Forest Guards Killed in Nuku Bandit Attack
- Amnesty International Condemns Killing of 24 in Kebbi Bandit Attack
- Trump Slams Iran Over Strait of Hormuz as Middle East Ceasefire Talks Stall
Scholarship Benefits
Successful applicants will receive a comprehensive funding package, including:
- Monthly stipends (approximately €900–€1,200 depending on level)
- Travel allowance
- Health insurance
- Accommodation support
- Pre-study German language training (where applicable)
The funding typically lasts 12–24 months for Master’s programmes and up to three years or more for PhD studies.
Eligibility Criteria
To qualify for the DAAD scholarship for Nigerians, applicants must:
- Possess a relevant Bachelor’s or Master’s degree
- Demonstrate strong academic performance
- Provide proof of English or German language proficiency (IELTS, TOEFL, or equivalent)
- Have relevant professional experience (for many courses)
Candidates must also submit a compelling motivation letter explaining how their studies will contribute to development in their home countries.
Application Process and Deadline
Prospective applicants are advised to carefully review the official DAAD guidelines and ensure that all required documents—including academic transcripts, CV, and recommendation letters—are submitted correctly.
Authorities stressed that late applications will not be accepted, urging candidates to apply well ahead of the April 29, 2026 deadline.
Rising Demand for German Scholarships
The DAAD scholarship 2026 is highly competitive, attracting thousands of applicants across Sub-Saharan Africa each year.
The initiative forms part of Germany’s broader commitment to strengthening global academic partnerships, supporting education, and developing future leaders across Africa.
With applications now open, qualified Nigerians are encouraged to take advantage of the opportunity to study in Germany and enhance their academic and professional careers.
Germany Opens Fully Funded Scholarships for Nigerians, Africans
Education
JAMB Urges Candidates, Parents to Protest Admission Bias as CAPS Ensures Transparency
JAMB Urges Candidates, Parents to Protest Admission Bias as CAPS Ensures Transparency
The Joint Admissions and Matriculation Board (JAMB) has urged candidates and parents to speak up against admission bias if they are confident in their UTME scores but are denied admission into their preferred institutions.
JAMB Registrar, Ishaq Oloyede, made this known during an interview on Good Morning Nigeria, a programme aired by the Nigerian Television Authority (NTA).
He stressed that the current admission system, powered by the Central Admission Processing System (CAPS), is designed to ensure transparency, fairness, and accountability across Nigeria’s tertiary institutions.
According to Oloyede, many parents still resort to illegal means because they believe admission cannot be secured without influence. He described this mindset as having “climbed the ladder to illegality,” warning that such actions are no longer necessary under the present system.
He explained that candidates who meet the required cut-off marks and admission criteria but are unfairly denied admission should formally protest through JAMB, as CAPS allows full visibility into the admission process.
READ ALSO:
- EFCC Arrests Maiduguri Woman for Cleaning Nose With N500 Note
- Court Stops ADC Congress, Orders Status Quo in Leadership Row
- US Evacuates Embassy Staff in Nigeria, Lists 23 States as ‘Do Not Travel’
The registrar highlighted that CAPS enables candidates to track their admission status in real time, accept or reject offers, and ensures institutions follow approved guidelines. He added that the platform prevents schools from secretly manipulating admission lists or replacing qualified candidates.
Oloyede further revealed that since the introduction of CAPS in 2017, cases of admission irregularities have significantly declined, with no major systemic failure recorded.
Addressing concerns about Direct Entry admissions, he noted that JAMB has strengthened its verification process to curb fraud. This includes stricter checks on qualifications such as JUPEB and IJMB certificates, making it increasingly difficult to forge results.
He disclosed that the board now verifies academic credentials directly with awarding institutions, including foreign universities. According to him, recent checks uncovered several fake degrees, with some foreign institutions confirming that such certificates were not issued by them.
The registrar added that JAMB has intensified collaboration with universities and other regulatory bodies to ensure proper screening of A-level results and early detection of fraudulent applications.
He emphasized that with improved digital tracking and verification systems, any attempt to bypass the admission process will be detected, urging candidates to rely on merit rather than shortcuts.
Ultimately, JAMB reiterated that qualified candidates must defend their rights through official channels, as the system now supports fairness and equal opportunity for all.
JAMB Urges Candidates, Parents to Protest Admission Bias as CAPS Ensures Transparency
Education
Jigawa Arrests Seven Teachers for Cheating During Competency Test
Jigawa Arrests Seven Teachers for Cheating During Competency Test
The Jigawa State Government has arrested seven teachers for allegedly engaging in examination malpractice during a large-scale teacher competency assessment involving over 8,400 educators. The arrests are part of the state’s ongoing efforts to improve accountability, professionalism, and learning outcomes in public schools.
The assessment, conducted by the Jigawa State Universal Basic Education Board (SUBEB), is described as a Teacher Training Needs Assessment, aimed at identifying gaps in teachers’ knowledge and skills to inform targeted training programs.
Chairman of SUBEB, Haruna Musa, confirmed that the affected teachers have been handed over to the police for investigation, emphasizing that the exercise is more than a routine test. “This assessment is not just about testing knowledge; it is about restoring integrity and professionalism in our schools,” he said.
READ ALSO:
- US-Iran Conflict: MAN Outlines Urgent Steps to Shield Nigerian Manufacturers
- Bandits Kill Two Abducted Women in Kaduna After Ransom Payment
- 2027: Atiku Signs $1.2m US Lobbying Deal to Engage Trump
Musa noted that examination malpractice, whether by teachers or students, undermines the credibility of the education sector and would not be tolerated. He also warned against absenteeism and involvement in partisan politics during school hours.
According to officials, the arrests are intended to serve as a deterrent to others and reinforce the government’s commitment to enforcing discipline and ethical conduct in schools. The arrested teachers are currently in police custody, and investigations are ongoing to determine whether additional personnel were involved.
Education experts have described the crackdown as a critical step toward safeguarding learning standards, emphasizing that teacher integrity directly impacts student achievement and the overall quality of education.
The Jigawa competency test reflects the state government’s determination to ensure that only qualified and competent personnel remain in the public education system, highlighting broader efforts to improve educational outcomes and accountability across Nigeria.
Jigawa Arrests Seven Teachers for Cheating During Competency Test
-
metro1 day agoJUST IN: FG Publishes List of 48 Individuals, Groups Linked to Terrorism Financing in Nigeria
-
metro1 day ago42-Year-Old Married Woman Declared Missing Found in Hotel with Man
-
Politics2 days agoDid Faleke Just Reveal Lagos’ Next Governor? Party Moves Begin
-
Education2 days agoGermany Opens Fully Funded Scholarships for Nigerians, Africans
-
metro7 hours agoBREAKING: Troops Arrest 15-Year-Old Linked to Killing of Gen Braimah in Borno
-
Politics1 day ago2027: Oyo APC Governorship Aspirant Saheed Oladele Resigns From Party
-
metro1 day agoADC Threatens Civil Disobedience To Force INEC Chairman To Resign
-
Business3 days agoNigeria May Face ₦2,000 Petrol Price Without Intervention, TUC Warns FG


