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FROM George Onyejiuwa, Owerri
The NNPC Upstream Investment Management Services (NUIMS)/Seplat Energy Joint Venture has reaffirmed its commitment to educational advancement and youth development with the successful hosting of the PEARLs Quiz and STEAM competition grand finale in Owerri, Imo State.
The Seplat PEARLs quiz is an annual academic competition for secondary school students in the company’s operating areas, aimed at promoting excellence and raising the quality of education. The programme involves qualifying tests and a head-to-head competition, with winners receiving prizes.
Commenting on the initiative, Chioma Afe, Director, External Affairs and Social Performance, Seplat Energy Plc, described the competition as a celebration of intellect, discipline, perseverance, confidence, curiosity and the boundless promise of young people.
She said, “The PEARLs quiz is our flagship education quiz programme targeted at secondary schools in the various states where we operate. We discovered through years of research and needs assessment that one of the critical needs within our communities is education. This programme was designed to encourage discipline, rigour, academic excellence, sharpness, and improving the minds of students.”
Afe noted that the world today demands more than memorised answers, calling for young people to think critically, challenge assumptions and apply knowledge to real-life situations. “At Seplat Energy and our JV partner, NNPC Limited, we believe that education is one of the most powerful investments any organisation can make in the future of people. That is why our social investment approach is rooted in long-term impact,” she said.
She explained that the initiative complements other educational interventions, including the Seplat Teachers Empowerment Programme and Science Innovators Programme, aimed at strengthening educational development within host communities. This year’s edition recorded participation from over 200 schools across Imo State, with students undergoing rigorous assessments and qualification stages before progressing to the live quiz competition and STEAM exhibition.
According to her, the energy firm has resolved to ensure no talent goes unnoticed, adding, “we remain steadfast in our resolve to power lives, empower minds, and ensure that no brilliance is overlooked and no talent is left behind.”
The acting Chief Upstream Investment Officer, NUIMS, Olanrewaju Igandan represented by Minanengiyeofori Loveday, Lead Community Relations, NUIMS, described the event as a testament to the commitment of both organisations to fostering education and intellectual growth among students in Imo State.
“As we reflect on the journey since the inaugural edition, I am thrilled to see how this event has evolved into a significant platform for young minds to showcase their knowledge and skills. Our partnership with Seplat Energy exemplifies our commitment to investing in the future of our youth,” he said.
He encouraged participants to look beyond the material rewards and embrace the learning, growth and peer connections that the competition affords, noting that the friendships forged and knowledge gained would serve them well in future endeavours.
Governor of Imo State, Senator Hope Uzodinma, represented by the Commissioner for Petroleum Resources, Mr. Emeka Mgbudem, commended Seplat Energy JV and its partners for sustaining initiatives that positively impact education and youth development within the state, and pledged the continued support of the state government towards programmes that empower students and encourage innovation.
Mgbudem revealed that he and his team had visited the infectious disease hospital being constructed by the same joint venture just hours before the event, describing the facility as one of the largest of its kind in the South-East of Nigeria.
“You will not fully appreciate what this joint venture has done in Imo State until you visit that facility,” he said.
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He noted that this was his third consecutive year attending the PEARLs quiz, and commended the breadth of the joint venture’s contributions to Imo State, which he said extended beyond education to healthcare and community welfare through programmes such as the Eye Can See initiative.
Also speaking at the event, the Commissioner for Niger Delta Affairs and Intelligence, Dr. Henry Okafor commended the students, parents and organisers for an impressive display of intellectual excellence, noting that the quality of debates, responses and presentations he witnessed confirmed that young people in the state are doing remarkably well.
He noted that the impact of Seplat Energy’s community investment extends deep into local communities, recounting how he personally received over a hundred calls from residents after one empowerment programme, all requesting support; a testament, he said, to the reach and visibility of the joint venture’s work in the state.
The finale had in attendance government officials, community leaders, educators, regulators, parents and students from across the state.
Mountain Crest High School emerged overall winner of the quiz competition, received a project-based grant of N5, 000,000 for the school development and a trophy. The three students who represented the school received N100, 000 each in scholarship grants, while their teacher went home with a laptop.
Second place went to Owerri City Secondary School, which received a project-based grant of N3, 000,000 and a trophy. The three students that represented the school received N75, 000 each as educational support grants while their teacher presented with a laptop.
Aziachi Secondary School, Orlu, emerged third, got a project-based grant of N1,000,000 and each of the three students received N50,000 in educational support grants. Their teacher got a laptop.
Christ the King College placed fourth in the competition. While no monetary prize was attached to the position, the teacher went home with a laptop in recognition of the school’s participation and efforts at the grand finale.
In addition to the quiz competition, the event also featured the STEAM Innovation Project segment, through which 10 schools showcased innovative and problem-solving projects developed by students. The projects were assessed on relevance to real-life problems, value addition, technical depth, sustainability and quality of presentation.
PAC College emerged overall winner of the STEAM Innovation Project were presented with a grant of N500, 000 to support the development and scale-up of the project. St Theresa College placed second, received N250, 000, while Urban College secured third position and N100, 000. While other participating students received school bags and exercise books in recognition of their efforts and participation throughout the competition.
Students who participated in the competition expressed excitement and gratitude at the opportunities the programme provided. Ifedioranma Okereke of Mountain Crest High School described the competition as unlike any other she had attended, noting the scale and ambition of the programme.
She said beyond the prizes, the experience taught her humility and the importance of never to underestimate any competitor.
Also, Nnodim Adeze, a student of Owerri City Secondary School, said the experience deepened her determination to excel. “It makes you more determined because you are seeing a lot of opportunities you could get. From the beginning to the end is not easy, but this really shows that the NNPC/Seplat JV cares for the students and have them at heart. I really appreciate them,” she said, adding that her school would be back to claim the top prize at the next edition.
