By Chika Kwamba
At a rigorous test of knowledge and intellectual prowess, secondary schools from Edo and Delta States took centre stage at the 2025 PEARLs Quiz Competition, held in Asaba, Delta State.
The annual contest, organised by Seplat Energy Plc, under its Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) initiative, was conducted in partnership with the Nigerian National Petroleum Company Limited Exploration and Production (NNPCL E&P) through their joint venture (JV) operations.
The grand finale, held at the Marquee Event Centre, brought together top-performing schools from both states in a celebration of academic excellence, innovation, and leadership. The competition, which promotes Promoting Exceptional and Respectable Leaders (PEARLs), aimed to inspire excellence in science, technology, engineering, mathematics, and English among secondary school students.
Emerging as champions, Pioneer Education Centre, Edo State, clinched the first position and received a ₦10 million prize to equip its ICT centre. Notre Dame College, Uzoro, Delta State, came second with ₦5 million, while Eucharistic Heart of Jesus Model College, Benin City, Edo State, took the third position with ₦3 million. Ogini Model College, Ogharefe-Oghara, Delta State, received a consolation prize for participation.
Speaking during the event, Delta State Governor, Rt. Hon. Sheriff Oborevwori, represented by Ms. Orode Uduaghan, Commissioner for Humanitarian Affairs, Community Support Services and Girl-Child Development, commended the organisers for their consistency and sustained investment in education.
“The Pearl quiz is a shining example of corporate social responsibility that aligns with our developmental vision. For years, this initiative has provided a platform for students to demonstrate intelligence, confidence, and character while promoting a culture of academic excellence,
“Beyond the trophies and prizes, every participant is a winner. You have made your schools, families, and states proud
“The scholarships, awards and educational resources you provide continue to enrich our educational landscape and nurture future leaders.
Gov Oborevwori encouraged the participants and urged the winners to remain focused and committed so as to use the confidence gained to build on their brilliance for greater success in the future.
In her remarks, Chioma Afe, Director, External Affairs and Social Performance, Seplat Energy, represented by Hadiza Garbati, General Manager, Government Relations, congratulated the finalists, noting that the initiative, introduced in 2012, continues to yield positive results.
“By the quality of participation witnessed today, the students have demonstrated that the PEARLs initiative is bearing fruit. One school may go home with the prize, but all of you are already winners,” she said.
Dr. Emmanuel Iyamu, Edo State Commissioner for Education, represented by Mr. Abudukadiri Ikoghode, Director, School Support Services, expressed pride in the students’ performance.
“I am filled with joy that one of our schools, Pioneer Education Centre, emerged as the champion. This competition continues to promote academic excellence across both states,” he noted.
On his part, Managing Director, NNPC Exploration and Production Limited (NEPL), Nicolas Foucart represented by Godwin Ijiga of the Corporate Communications Department, lauded the students’ enthusiasm and intelligence. He thanked the Edo and Delta State Governments for creating an enabling environment for businesses to thrive and support educational growth.
“To all the students, I say congratulations for making it to this stage. You are all winners already,” he added.
The grand finale also featured the STEAM Innovation Challenge, where students showcased creative projects in science, technology, engineering, arts, and mathematics.
Hollywood International School, Asaba, clinched the top prize of ₦1 million with a multi-functional academic laboratory project. Pioneer Education Centre, Benin, took second place with ₦500,000, while Women Affairs Secondary School, Asaba, came third with ₦250,000.
Since its inception, the PEARLs Quiz has remained a hallmark of Seplat Energy JV’s commitment to nurturing exceptional leaders and promoting academic excellence among students in Edo and Delta States.
