Don Bosco Science Academy emerges winner of Seplat JV PEARLs quiz competition

Don Bosco Science Academy in Ekpoma, Edo, has emerged winner of the 12th edition of the Seplat JV PEARLS quiz competition.
The winner was announced in Asaba on Friday at the final stage of the competition.

Our Saviour Secondary School, Sapele, Delta, came second, while Hollywood International Secondary School, Asaba, Delta, came third.
Divine Providence Educational Centre in Edo, took the fourth position.

The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that the winner went home with a cash prize of N10 million, while each of its students got a cash prize of N100,000.

The second-placed school, Our Saviour Secondary School, Sapele, got a cash prize of N5 million, while its students got N75,000 each.

The third-placed school went home with a cash prize of N3 million, and each of its student team got N50,000.
NAN also reports that students of Divine Providence Education received a cash prize of N10,000 each.

Speaking at the ceremony, Chioma Afe, Director, External Affairs/Sustainability, Seplat Energy, said that the Seplat JV Pearls programme, introduced in 2012, was a significant step in rewarding academic excellence.

“PEARLs, which stand for Promoting Exceptional And Respectable Leaders, is Seplat Energy’s educational educational Corporate Social Investment (CSI) programme, is aimed at rewarding academic excellence in both Delta and Edo States,” she said.

Afe said that a total of 510 schools sat for the PEARLs quiz qualifying test online for the 2023 edition.

She added that out of the number, about 139 schools qualified from the online process, adding that the competition kicked off in Benin on Oct. 10.

Afe also said that the knockout stages led to the final stage which featured the last four schools.

The director reiterated that Seplat Energy is committed to being a best practice operator and a responsible and accountable corporate organisation.

”We have built strong relationships with our local stakeholders and created a stable operating environment in our host states by implementing programmes in healthcare, education, capacity building, youth empowerment, and infrastructural development.

”We are mindful of the needs in the country’s education sector, our leadership role amongst our peers, and our commitment to our host communities in Edo and Delta States,” said.

Afe added, ”this programme has directly impacted the performance of the students, as it encourages them to read their syllabuses intensively and extensively and participate in rigorous debates.

”Moreover, it provides a platform for both public and private secondary schools to interact, share ideas, and experiences throughout the programme.

”Over the years, the programme has provided scholarships to 99 students and implemented projects in 33 schools.

”We’ve given out four brand new 16-seater high school buses to the winning schools, 40 laptops, 952 Android tablets, and consolation prizes to 231 schools.

”This programme offers far more than just winning; it helps students gain substantial experience, build confidence, and encourages them to adopt innovative techniques and develop their ideas and skills.”

Also speaking at the occasion, the Managing Director of Seplat West, Mr Ayodele Olatunde, said ”we’re even more proud because this initiative is directly addresses the United Nations SDG Goal 4, which focuses on providing quality education.

”It’s crucial to note that education is at
the core of SDGs 1, 2, and 8, which pertain to the eradication of poverty, good health and well-being, and decent work and economic growth.”

Olatunde disclosed that the in last 11 years, the programme has directly impacted 57,575 students in both states.

Olatunde, while commending Delta and Edo governments and regulatory bodies for their support, assured that Seplat and its partners would continue to partner with them to provide the platform for secondary school students to grow in confidence and excel in their examinations.

In his remarks, Gov. Sheriff Oborevwori of Delta, while commending Seplat Energy for its unwavering commitment towards the initiative, urged other corporate organisations to take inspiration from Seplat Energy.

The governor, represented by the Secretary to the State Government, Dr Kingsley Emu, said, ”I also call upon all oil companies operating in Delta to take inspiration from Seplat’s contributions and work diligently to make our state an even better place for our youth.”

On his part, Mr Oluwaseyi Orimoloye, NEPL CCD Dept. (JV Partner), NNPC, who commended Seplat Energy for the initiative, noted that, ”the competition is not just a simple contest; it is a crucial part of our educational journey.

”I’d also like to urge parents and guardians to support and guide these young talents, as together, we can produce stars like the Okonjo Iwealas in our societies, and another global winner for the World Mathematics Competition, and more productive leaders in our midst.”NAN