From Tony Osauzo, Benin
Imaguero College, Benin, Edo State, has won the 13th edition of the NEPL/Seplat JV PEARLs quiz competition, carting away N10 million for a school project and a scholarship of N100,000 each for the three participating students.
This marks the first time a public school has won the NEPL/Seplat Energy JV PEARLs quiz competition.
The competition, which is an annual academic initiative, is aimed at encouraging, inspiring and rewarding students for their scholarship and teamwork. It is conducted in two stages; the test stage, where all schools take qualifying tests, and the competition stage, where qualified schools compete head-to-head until a champion emerges.
The grand finale held on July 5 in Benin City was attended by secondary schools from Edo and Delta states, government officials, media, and some management members from the NNPC Exploration and Production Limited (NEPL) and Seplat Energy, among others.
Marble Hill School from Asaba, Delta State, secured the second place, winning N5 million for a project and N75, 000 scholarship for each of the three participating students, while Edo State’s Baptist High School came third, also carting away N3 million for a project and N50, 000 scholarship for each participating student.
Additionally, teachers from schools that reached the competition stage received laptops for their hard work and dedication.
Commenting on Imaguero College’s victory, the Edo State Commissioner for Education, Joan Osa Oviawe, said: “On behalf of the Edo State Ministry of Education, I appreciate Seplat Energy for this wonderful initiative.
“It’s always great when young people have the opportunity to participate in academic contests. I also want to congratulate our State Secondary Education Board, the principal of the school, the teachers, and everyone involved. It has been a long journey of reforming our education system through Governor Obaseki’s Edo Best 2.0 education reform agenda, and I am elated to see our public schools come out on top.”
The Delta State Commissioner for Works (Rural and Riverine), Charles Ehiedu Aniagwu, who represented Governor Sheriff Oborevwori, lauded Seplat’s efforts in fostering growth and development in both states.
He noted that Seplat’s efforts aligned with the government’s vision, adding, “For us in Delta, this is beyond a quiz competition. Seplat is doing several things that our administration in Delta is also doing, which is ensuring that the potential inherent in our children is refined.”
Commenting on how the victory by Imaguero College will impact public schools, he remarked, “What Imaguero has shown today is that if public schools are energised, they will do quite well. We hope this victory inspires the government to further energise our teachers and students in public schools.”
Emmanuel Otokhine, base manager, Western Asset, Seplat Energy, who represented the Managing Director, Seplat West Africa Limited, Ayodele Olatunde, reiterated the company’s commitment to investing in the education sector.
“This is our way of helping to improve the quality of education in the region where we operate. We are involved in the whole education value chain, promoting academic excellence, encouraging scholarship, and improving teaching skills through programmes like the Seplat Teachers’ Empowerment Programme (STEP),” he said.
The Community Relations Manager (NEPL),Owunari Tomikeimeye, who represented the Managing Director (NEPL), Nicholas Foucast, congratulated the winners and all competitors. He also thanked Seplat Energy, the teachers, and the government for their support.
Over the last 13 years, the NEPL/Seplat JV PEARLs quiz initiative has empowered winning secondary schools to fund structural projects, such as language laboratories, computer laboratories, libraries, school buses, and classroom blocks through project-based cash prizes.
More than 57,675 students have benefited from the programme, with education grants provided to 108 students, over 80 of whom have graduated or are studying in various universities within the country. Additionally, 22 students have been sponsored through the undergraduate scholarship scheme, and three have undergone industrial training with Seplat Energy.
At the event, the Seplat Women’s Awesome Network (SWAN) represented by Oby Ezeoke, Senior Manager, Policy & Employee Relations, held a session guiding students on the importance of a balanced diet, physical activities, personal hygiene, and mental health.
Also, the Seplat’s Innovative Growth Network of Aspiring Leaders (SIGNAL), represented by Ochuko Ikogho, cautioned the students on being impressionable and its various implications.
The Chief Financial Officer (CFO), Eleanor Adaralegbe, addressed the students on the importance of self-development. Outstanding science and art-based projects from various schools were also recognised and rewarded.
Seplat Energy remains committed to its educational CSI initiatives and looks forward to enhancing the scope and impact of the PEARLs quiz in future editions. By continuing to support and invest in the academic growth of students in Delta and Edo states, Seplat Energy aims to drive long-term sustainable development and create a brighter future for Nigeria’s youth.