Nigeria LNG Limited (NLNG) has again demonstrated its commitment to fostering innovation and technological advancement among Nigerian youths with the 2024 edition of its Science Quiz Competition themed “Artificial Intelligence (AI): Innovating the Future.” This year’s focus reflected the growing importance of AI in driving technological advancements and economic development across the globe.
The NLNG Science Quiz Competition aims to promote science education among Nigerian secondary school students in Rivers State. Over the years, it has become a significant platform for discovering and nurturing young scientific minds, fostering innovation, and inspiring future leaders in science and technology.
According to a statement by the facilitators, Dragnet Solutions Limited, the Olympiad stage of the Competition, a computer-based test, held over the weekend with the participation of young science students from secondary schools across Rivers State. Out of the 94 registered schools, 89 competed in this stage from various locations including Bonny Kingdom, Khana, Port Harcourt, Omoku, and Oyigbo.
“The competition is open to students in senior secondary school classes, SS1 and SS2, from government-owned secondary schools in the three senatorial districts in Rivers State. The winners from the first stage will compete in the Championship stage in July 2024 and the winners from that stage will compete in the Grand Finale afterwards for the SS2 category. Winners in the SS1 category will be determined in the Championship stage. Competition is in collaboration with the Rivers State Ministry of Education and the Science Teachers Association of Nigeria (STAN), Rivers State chapter. Officials from STAN and the Rivers State Ministry of Education, led by Dr. Peter Nwagor and Mrs. Job Inifiesekabo, supervised the Olympiad stage. “
Speaking on the commencement of the competition, NLNG’s General Manager, External Relations and Sustainable Development, Mr. Andy Odeh emphasised that the theme on Artificial Intelligence addresses contemporary scientific needs to prepare Rivers State students for future challenges. He said the competition aims to encourage a passion for science and technology among young students. He underscored the importance of AI in today’s world, highlighting its transformative impact on various sectors.
“This focus on artificial intelligence is timely and essential. AI is revolutionizing industries, from healthcare to finance, oil and gas to agriculture, and transforming how we live and work. By focusing on AI and its innovative potential and capabilities, we aim to ignite curiosity and encourage students to explore this exciting field, ultimately contributing to Nigeria’s technological advancement. NLNG takes education and youth development very seriously. And providing young people with the necessary tools and resources to thrive in science and technology to empower them for the future is critical to our support,” he said. “
In 2023, the Niger Delta Science School, Rumuola emerged as the winner. Oginigba Community Secondary School, Enitonna High School, and Borokiri Port-Harcourt took the second and third positions respectively. The competition, now in its third edition since the pilot in 2021, follows a multi-stage format.
The Director of (STAN), Rivers State chapter, Dr Peter Nwagor praised NLNG’s efforts in fulfilling its corporate social responsibility. He said NLNG has demonstrated its commitment to nurturing the next generation of scientists and technologists.
Mrs. Job Inifiesekabo, of the Rivers State Ministry of Education, also commended NLNG for its dedication towards enhancing science education. She noted that this initiative aligns with the ministry’s goal of integrating modern technology into our education system.
As the competition progresses to the Championship stage, anticipation is high. Students, teachers, and the various communities within Rivers State eagerly await the innovative ideas and solutions these young minds will present. The NLNG Science Quiz Competition promises not only to be a platform for academic excellence but also a catalyst for inspiring the next generation of Nigerian scientists and technologists.
