FIRST E&P backs next generation of Nigerian innovators, entrepreneurs at Olympiad Finale

FIRST Exploration & Petroleum Development Company (FIRST E&P), a leading integrated independent exploration and production company with full-cycle upstream delivery capability, has reaffirmed its commitment to developing Nigeria’s next generation of engineers.

The commitment was highlighted during the grand finale of the inaugural Nigerian Engineering Olympiad (NEO), held on Tuesday, June 30, 2026, at Eko Hotel & Suites, Victoria Island, Lagos.

The event recognised outstanding student innovators whose engineering solutions addressed real-world challenges, marking the culmination of months of regional qualifiers, prototype development, mentorship, and boot camp sessions.

These initiatives equipped students from universities and polytechnics across Nigeria with practical skills in engineering, innovation, and entrepreneurship. The Olympiad attracted 984 participants across 375 teams from more than 80 tertiary institutions representing all six geopolitical zones of the country.

Delivering the sponsor’s address, the General Manager of Engineering and Capital Projects at FIRST E&P, John Alamu, emphasised that the competition reflects the company’s commitment to equipping students with the practical knowledge and innovative mindset required to excel in engineering and strengthen Nigeria’s future workforce.

Alamu noted that initiatives like the Engineering Olympiad provide a structured platform for young talent to transform innovative ideas into practical solutions that contribute to the country’s technological and industrial advancement.

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He stated, “FIRST E&P believes that developing STEM capacity is an investment in Nigeria’s ability to solve its own problems.

The Nigerian Engineering Olympiad has taught young engineers to think beyond the drawing board, and FIRST E&P is proud to have been a funding partner for this initiative. I commend NCDMB for championing the Olympiad and Enactus Nigeria for successfully delivering a platform that is helping to shape the next generation of Nigerian engineers and innovators.”

In his address, the Executive Secretary of the Nigerian Content Development and Monitoring Board (NCDMB), Engr. Felix Omatsola Ogbe, represented by the Acting Director of Planning, Research, and Statistics, Silas Ajimijaye, expressed appreciation to FIRST E&P for their unwavering support in successfully delivering the Olympiad. Ajimijaye added that the initiative aligns with the Federal Government’s Nigeria First Policy, which aims to build indigenous engineering capacity and equip young Nigerians with the knowledge and skills necessary to drive industrial competitiveness, technological advancement, and sustainable national development.

The competition concluded with the awarding of prizes. Team Mavericks from Modibbo Adama University of Technology, Adamawa State, won the grand prize of N50 million and a Centre of Excellence building for its Faculty of Engineering.

The team’s winning innovation, Ubuntu Sapphire, is a community-powered rapid alert system that uses affordable devices to instantly notify neighbouring households and emergency responders during emergencies, providing a practical solution aimed at strengthening community security and emergency response infrastructure.

Speaking after receiving the award, Team Lead Dr. David Patrick expressed gratitude to the organisers and sponsors for providing a platform that fosters innovation and practical learning.

The University of Ibadan emerged as the first runner-up, receiving N30 million and N75 million worth of engineering equipment for its Faculty of Engineering. The University of Nigeria, Nsukka, secured third place and was awarded N20 million and N50 million worth of engineering equipment. The University of Jos finished fourth, receiving N10 million.