Public schools in Rivers State are producing innovators and transforming into better educational institutions following the yearly science quiz competitions organised by NLNG, the Science Teachers Association of Nigeria (STAN) has said.

The competition, which inspires intellectual contest and raises the enthusiasm of science students, aims to promote scientific and technological literacy, critical thinking, and problem-solving skills among secondary school students.

According to the Chairman of STAN, Dr Peter Nwagor, the competition is giving opportunities to students from public schools to showcase their creativity and skills, which is also compelling them to stretch themselves to study, innovate, practice and excel at a time when other students are distracted by phones and social media.

Nwagor stated this at the weekend, when NLNG hosted and celebrated two schools from Rivers, Oginigba Comprehensive Secondary School (winner of the Science Project category) and Community Secondary School, Igbo Etche, winners at the final national science quiz competition, in Abeokuta, Ogun State.

The two schools had earlier this year emerged as winners of the competition at the state level before proceeding to Ogun for the grand finale of the contest.

“This is remarkable for the champions being received by NLNG at its headquarters in Port Harcourt. What NLNG is doing has given opportunities and space for public schools to showcase themselves and has brought schools to the consciousness to study and work hard,” the STAN chairman stated. He noted that the move was steadily and strategically reviving public schools.

“Some schools have started working for next year’s competition. The majority of people who go to school don’t focus on academics, but public schools in Rivers are transforming to something better because of this science competition,” he added.

He commended NLNG for donating laboratory facilities to schools in Igbo Etche. NLNG External Relations and Sustainable Development officer, Sophia Horsefall, said the firm deemed it fit to host and celebrate the winning students and their schools because they demonstrated outstanding science knowledge, success, and deserve the honour.

She said NLNG “remains committed” to developing future leaders in science and technology, while urging the students to maintain high standards in their educational pursuits, noting that the journey for greater career growth continues.

Director of Science and Technology Education from the Rivers State Ministry of Education, Dr Inisefiekabo Job, applauded NLNG for shaping young minds to become innovators and appreciating support for education.

She urged the winners to be focused and utilise the opportunities given to them. The winning schools and the students expressed gratitude for the reception and promised to continuously shine their light to achieve better career growth.