School emerges winner of NLNG science quiz competition in Rivers

The Niger Delta Science School, Rumuola, Port Harcourt, has emerged winner of the 2023 Nigeria LNG Limited (NLNG) science quiz competition in Rivers State.

The school clinched the prize with 65,899 points from seven finalists at the grand finale of the Senior Secondary School (S.S.2) category competition held in Port Harcourt at the weekend.

Oginigba Community Secondary School and Enitonna High School, Borikiri Port Harcourt took the second and third positions respectively.

According to NLNG’s General Manager, External Relations and Sustainable Development, Andy Odeh, this year’s competition focused on the theme: “Net Zero Science.”

The competition was opened to SS1 and SS2 levels in secondary schools in Rivers State.

Odeh said the students showed great enthusiasm and knowledge, describing them as credit to their schools and the state.

He expressed hope that the competition will inspire other young people to learn about science and to pursue careers in science-related fields.

He said: “We are delighted that this year’s science quiz competition is focused on climate change and net-zero emissions. This is a critical issue that we all need to be aware of, and we believe that this competition will help to raise awareness among young people and inspire them to take action and become agents of change.”

He stated that the company recognises the importance of science in achieving its vision of being a globally competitive LNG company, helping to build a better Nigeria.

“Science is so pervasive that there is hardly anyone in the four corners of Rivers State that hasn’t today counted on science to achieve one elementary task on the other. The fisherman who wakes up, takes his net, enters his boat, and paddles it to that part of the sea where he hopes to make his big catch has depended heavily on science.

“So is the teacher who woke up this morning, checked his time, his emails and updates on the phone, entered his car and drove to this place. We all depend on science to improve our lives and the way we live it. We depend on science to plan our days and do our tasks. Every new day with new discoveries and inventions, science’s hold on us becomes even stronger and tighter.

“For us at NLNG, science is far from being a subject in the classroom. It is the most credible vehicle to take us from where we are today to where we wish to be tomorrow. Like I said before, we must demystify science to make it accessible to every child in this state.

“One way of doing this is to create a buzz around it. This time, the buzz is a quiz competition around the subject matter. This way, the young and curious can be interested in it,” he said.

Director of Science and Education at the state ministry of education, Dr. Ataisi Ngerebara, said NLNG has given opportunity to children who, before now, had no opportunity to showcase their talents.

She said science was driving development in the world and that there was a need for young scientists in Nigeria to be encouraged on innovation and creativity.

The competition was facilitated by Dragnet Solutions Limited and is in partnership with the Rivers State Ministry of Education and the Science Teachers Association of Nigeria (STAN), Rivers State Chapter.