In a vibrant celebration of academic excellence, students from secondary schools in Edo and Delta states showcased their brilliance at the finale of the much-anticipated quiz competition hosted by SEPLAT Energy PLC in partnership with NNPC Exploration and Production Limited (NEPL). The two states’ schools, leveraging their rich educational heritage and competitive spirit, shone brightly at the event held in Asaba over the weekend.
The event captured a real sense of hope and investment in Nigeria’s future: classrooms not just as spaces of learning, but as arenas of innovation and leadership. For the winners, the stakes were substantial — cash prizes, ICT upgrades, and recognition that goes beyond books.
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Celebrating Victory: Winners, Recognition and Prizes
At the top of the chart this year was Pioneer Education Centre, Edo State, which emerged first in the 2025 edition of the “PEARLs Quiz Competition” (Promoting Exceptional and Respectable Leaders). They walked away with a grand prize of ₦10 million, earmarked for upgrading their ICT centre.
Hot on their heels was Notre Dame College, Ozoro (Delta State), in second place, earning ₦5 million, and Eucharistic Heart of Jesus Model College, Benin (Edo State), in third place, receiving ₦3 million.
Additionally, Ogini Model College, Ogharefe‑Oghara, from Delta State claimed a consolation prize for participation — a testament to the competition’s inclusive recognition of effort and achievement.
The competition didn’t stop at the quiz: the grand finale also hosted a STEAM Innovation Challenge where students, from both states, presented projects across science, technology, engineering, arts and mathematics. The first prize went to Hollywood International School, Asaba (Delta State) for their multi-functional academic laboratory project (₦1 million prize). Second place was Pioneer Education Centre (₦500,000), and third place went to Women Affairs Secondary School, Asaba (Delta State) with ₦250,000.
These awards reflect not just winners and prizes, but a culture of encouragement — placing significant value on creativity, critical thinking and real-world application of knowledge.
Partnerships and Purpose: Shaping Future Leaders
The initiative, born out of SEPLAT Energy’s Corporate Social Investment (CSI) framework, is firmly anchored in developing leadership qualities among young Nigerians. The quiz, which has been running since 2012, reflects SEPLAT’s long-term commitment to education in its host communities.
SEPLAT’s Director of External Affairs and Social Performance, Chioma Afe (represented at the event by GM Government Relations, Hadiza Garbati) underlined the company’s conviction that academic excellence and critical thinking are fundamental to shaping tomorrow’s leaders.
On the partner side, Nicolas Foucart, Managing Director of NEPL (represented by Godwin Ijiga), also commended the participating students for their efforts and thanked government authorities in Edo and Delta for fostering environments conducive to such programmes.
Moreover, the Governor of Delta State, Sheriff Oborevwori (represented by Orode Udughan, Commissioner for Humanitarian Affairs, Community Support Services & Girl-Child Development) praised the SEPLAT/NEPL partnership for having “greatly impacted students in Edo and Delta states for many years.”
This kind of collaboration among corporate, government and educational stakeholders is increasingly vital in Nigeria — not simply for one-off events but for sustained impact on the next generation.
Looking Ahead: Opportunities and Implications for Education
What does all this mean for the broader educational landscape of Edo and Delta states? First, the show of strong performance by schools in these two states signals an encouraging trend: despite challenges, a competitive and innovative spirit is alive among Nigerian youths.
Investment in ICT infrastructure — as awarded to Pioneer Education Centre — is pivotal. In an era where digital skills increasingly define success, upgrading technology in schools is no longer optional. When a school wins ₦10 million to boost its ICT centre, the ripple effects are real: improved access, better teaching tools, higher motivation among students and teachers alike.
Furthermore, the inclusion of the STEAM Innovation Challenge underlines a shift: traditional academic quizzes alone are giving way to broader, skills-based, hands-on learning. These kinds of initiatives help students move from rote learning towards problem-solving, project management, collaboration and creativity. All vital for the Fourth Industrial Revolution and beyond.
For the states involved — Edo and Delta — there is also the message of competition. Schools that see peers being rewarded may be inspired to invest more in their own programming, teacher training, infrastructure and student mentorship. Over time, this could elevate the overall standard of education across both states.
Lastly, from a corporate social investment perspective, the initiative demonstrates strategic sustainability: SEPLAT and NEPL aren’t simply giving funds; they’re nurturing ecosystems. They build capacity, promote leadership values and create visibility for learning that aligns with national development goals.
Conclusion
The recent quiz competition spearheaded by SEPLAT and its partner NEPL in Edo and Delta states is far more than a contest. It’s a statement: young Nigerian minds are ready, schools are stepping up, and the time for investing in education with purpose is now. The winners carry prizes, but more importantly, they carry hope and the momentum for change. As the recipient schools move ahead with their awards, the real victory will be in how those resources are deployed to shape meaningful, lasting educational outcomes.
With initiatives like this gaining traction, one can anticipate even stronger performances in the years ahead — and perhaps, even bolder innovations from Nigeria’s next generation of thinkers and leaders.
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