Quiz: NNPC, Seplat Reward Schools With N10m In Imo

NNPC Upstream Investment Management Services, NUIMS, and Seplat Energy Joint Venture have rewarded schools and brilliant students with cash and scholarship awards worth N10.5 million in Imo State.

The schools and students received the prizes at the end of the 2026 edition of the Promoting Exceptional and Responsible Leaders, PEARLs, Quiz and Steam Competition grand finale in Owerri on Saturday.

The Seplat PEARLs Quiz and Steam Competition are annual academic competitions for secondary school students in the company’s operating areas, aimed at promoting excellence and raising the quality of education.

Over 200 schools in Imo State participated in the 2026 edition, with Mountain Crest High School emerging overall winner of the quiz competition and receiving a project-based grant of N5 million for school development and a trophy.

The three students who represented the school received N100,000 each in scholarship grants, while their teacher went home with a laptop.

In the second place was Owerri City Secondary School, which received a project-based grant of N3 million and a trophy, with three students who represented the school receiving N75,000 each as educational support grant, and their teacher receiving a laptop.

Eziachi Secondary School, Orlu, emerged third, receiving a project-based grant of N1 million, with each of the three representing students receiving N50,000 in educational support grant and their teacher, a laptop.

Christ the King College came fourth in the competition, but without any monetary prize, although their teacher went home with a laptop in recognition of the school’s participation and efforts at the grand finale.

For the Steam Innovation Project segment, 10 schools showcased innovative and problem-solving projects developed by students, which were assessed on relevance to real-life problems, value addition, technical depth, sustainability and quality of presentation.

PAC College emerged overall winner of the category, receiving a grant of N500,000; St Theresa College came second and received N250,000, while Urban College secured the third position, receiving N100,000 to support the development and scale-up of their projects.

Other participating students, however, received school bags and exercise books in recognition of their efforts and participation throughout the competition.

Speaking at the event, the Director of External Affairs and Social Performance, Seplat Energy, Chioma Afe described the day as a “celebration of intellect, discipline, perseverance, confidence, curiosity and the boundless promise of young people.

“The PEARLs Quiz is our flagship educational quiz programme designed to encourage discipline, rigour, academic excellence, sharpness and improve the minds of secondary school students in the various states where we operate.

“Seplat Energy and our JV partner, NNPC Limited, remain steadfast in our resolve to power lives, empower minds and ensure that no brilliance is overlooked and no talent is left behind,” she said.

The Acting Chief Upstream Investment Officer, NUIMS, Olanrewaju Igandan, represented by the Lead Community Relations, Loveday Minanengiyeofori, said the event was a show of the commitment of both organisations to education and intellectual growth among students.

He advised the students to look beyond the material rewards and embrace the learning, growth and peer connections that the competition affords.

He noted that the friendships forged and knowledge gained would serve them well in future endeavours.

Imo State governor, Senator Hope Uzodinma, represented by the Commissioner for Petroleum Resources, Mr Emeka Mgbudem, commended the joint venture and pledged continued support for programmes that empower students and encourage innovation. (NAN)

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