Education

Imaguero College, Benin wins NEPL/Seplat PEARS Quiz competition

Imaguero College, Benin, Edo State, has emerged victorious in the 13th edition of the NEPL/Seplat JV PEARLs Quiz competition.

Imaguero College, the first public school to enter the final stage of the quiz competition, since it debuted 13 years ago, won a whopping sum of N10 million for a school project and a scholarship of N100,000 each for the three participating students.

The NEPL/Seplat Energy JV PEARLs quiz competition is an annual academic initiative, designed to encourage, inspire and reward students for their scholarship and teamwork.

The competition 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 is crowned.

The grand finale of the 2024 edition was held on Friday, July 5, 2024, at Homevile Hotel, Benin City, and was attended by secondary schools drawn from Edo and Delta States, government officials, media, and some management members from NNPC Exploration and Production Limited (NEPL) and Seplat Energy, among others.

Expressing her delight, Obonodi Joy, a student of Imaguero College, said, “There are no words to express how I feel; we are overwhelmed with joy. I would like to thank Seplat Energy because this opportunity is an encouragement. You are building the minds of young individuals, and we cannot thank you enough.”

Marble Hill School from Asaba, Delta State, secured second place, winning N5 million for a project and a seventy-five thousand Naira (N75,000) scholarship for each of the three participating students.

Edo State’s Baptist High School, which came in third, received three million Naira for a project and an N50,000 scholarship for each participating student.

In addition to these, teachers from schools that reached the competition stage received laptops for their hard work and dedication.

Commenting on Imaguero College’s victory, 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 Executive 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.”

Delta State’s 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 align 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 potentials inherent in our children are refined.”

Commenting on how the victory by Imaguero College will impact public schools, he said: “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.”

The Managing Director, Seplat West Limited, Ayodele Olatunde, reiterated Seplat Energy’s commitment to investing in the education sector.

Olatunde, who was represented by Emmanuel Otokhine, Base Manager, Western Asset, said it was a way of improving the quality of education in the communities where the company operates.

“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 programs like the Seplat Teachers Empowerment Program (STEP),” Olatunde said.

Owunari Tomikeimeye, Community Relations Manager, NEPL, representing 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 past 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 program, with education grants provided to 108 students, over 80 of whom have graduated or are studying in various universities within the country.

In addition, 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, Associate Civil Engineer, steered 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.

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