Kogi State on Monday emerged winner of the North Central Zonal final of the 2019 Nigeria National Petroleum Corporation (NNPC) annual National Science Quiz Competition, which held in Minna, the Niger State Capital.
Abdullahi Omachonu, 16, from St Peter’s College, Idah, Kogi, scored 60 out of 75 points to beat his counterparts from Nasarawa, Benue, Plateau, Niger, Kwara and the FCT.
Speaking at the event, the Group General Manager, Group Public Affairs Division, NNPC, NDU Ughamadu, said the corporation was out to nurture future leaders through the competition.
“We are all striving to do our part to build capable leaders who can lead our nation.
“Leaders who will see that Nigeria’s great potential is actualised. Therefore, the contestants are such leaders we are nurturing through this project,’’.
Ughamadu, who was represented by Mrs Ngozi Nwabara, noted that the corporations intervention in education was its most important social responsibility given the key role it plays in sustaining ‘our economy’.
“Science is everywhere in the world around us. Technology is continuously expanding into every aspect of our lives, both the mundane and the complex.’’
She said the result of NNPC’s investment in the quiz competition over the years was visible as past winners had gone on to achieve outstanding academic excellence in tertiary institutions.
According to her, each of the 7 contestants that made it to the zonal final will be given N100,000 when they gain admission into tertiary institution.
In her remarks, the Permanent Secretary, Niger State Ministry of Education, Hajiya Jummai Mohammed, commended NNPC for the quiz competition, saying science education was central to the development of any country.
Mohammed restated the commitment of the state government to providing quality and affordable education to its citizens.
“The Niger State Government is aware of its responsibility among others, providing quality, affordable and free education.
“The government also pays high premium on science education, this is why science and technical schools are undergoing total overhaul,’’ she added.
On his part, Omachonu, who won the the contest, attributed his success in to hard work and determination.
NAN reports that the winner would represent the north central zone at the national finals in Abuja.
(NAN)
