In a remarkable display of determination, Government Secondary School (GSS) Oyigbo has emerged victorious in the 2024 NLNG Science Quiz Competition, despite lacking essential equipment for science practicals. Observers described this triumph as a testament to the school’s unwavering commitment to science education and its students’ unrelenting passion for learning.
GSS Oyigbo’s win is all the more impressive considering the challenges they faced. Students Nnanna Peace and Raphael Ataisi, who clinched the first prize with 63,858 points, revealed that their school lacks the necessary equipment for hands-on science experiments. This limitation could have hindered their preparation, but instead, it seemed to fuel their resolve.
The General Manager of External Relations and Sustainable Development at NLNG, Mr Andy Odeh, said the aim of the competition was to promote scientific and technological literacy, critical thinking, and problem-solving skills among young teenagers.
Speaking in the competition’s theme ‘Artificial Intelligence (AI): Innovating the Future’, Odeh said NLNG believes that preparing for the future requires understanding and harnessing the power of technology, particularly Artificial Intelligence.
It bears mentioning that the school’s victory is an example of how dedication and hard work can overcome even the most daunting obstacles. Mr. Andy Odeh, General Manager of External Relations and Sustainable Development at NLNG, praised the students’ achievements, emphasizing the importance of testing students’ knowledge, igniting creativity, and honing problem-solving skills essential for innovation.
According to him, NLNG’s commitment to science education extends beyond the secondary school competition to the tertiary level and beyond with initiatives like the NLNG University Support Programme, scholarship programs, and infrastructure development in host communities.
He said, “We firmly believe that now is the time to prepare for the future. As we look around, it is clear that the future is being shaped by technological advancements. Among these, artificial intelligence stands out as a transformative force.”
“We are so happy to be the champions of the NLNG 2024 Science Quiz Competition. We want to thank NLNG for providing this opportunity for public schools to compete among themselves,” said Nnanna Peace and Raphael Ataisi, the winning students.
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Enitonna High School Borokiri, Community Secondary School Okrika, Birabi Memorial Grammar School Borokiri, and Community Secondary School Orowurokwu were among the schools present.
Notably in his speech, Rivers’ Commissioner for Education, Ovy Chukuma, appealed to other corporate bodies to emulate NLNG and positively impact Young Rivers natives.
Represented by the Permanent Secretary, Minister of Education, Mrs. Ebere Emenike, Chukuma said, “Rivers State is happy with what Nigeria Liquefied Natural Gas is doing by exposing our kids to these kinds of competitions, and we urged other corporate bodies to duly emulate NLNG.”
