St. Michael College Benin wins 9th edition of NPDC/Seplat PEARLs quiz competition

By Angela James,

 

St. Michael College Benin, Edo State, Thursday emerged winner of the 9th edition of the NPDC/Seplat Preparing Exceptional and Responsible Leaders (PEARLs) quiz competition, winning the grand prize of N7million.

 

 

PEARLs quiz competition which was held in Benin City, Edo State with fanfare and ceremony, saw  Mc Neil Academy Secondary School, Sapele, Delta State came second with a cash prize of N3m, while Gloryland Secondary School, Igarra, Edo State clinched the third position and got N1m as a prize.

 

St. John’s Academy, Oleh, Delta State, the 3rd runners up also got N1m as cash prize, while three representatives from the four schools also got N100,000.00, N75,000, and each for the first, second position, while second runners up and 3rd runners up got N50,000 each.

 

Speaking earlier, the Chief Executive Officer of Seplat who was represented by the General Manager, External Affairs and Communication, Dr Chioma Uwanchukwu said the competition holds annually to in prove educational standard and installing good moral values on students to enable them to contribute favourably to the society.

 

The General Manager said that the program started about six months ago with 574 schools maintaining that four schools emerged for the grand finale of the competition.

ALSO READ: Dwindling revenue caused the delay in payment of minimum wage -Delta ALGON

Dr Uwanchukwu who underscores the importance of quality education disclosed that the questions were carefully formulated in conjunction with the school’s teachers using their syllabus noted that the competition is an all-round academic and character improvement exercise.

 

She disclosed that since the competition started in 2012, 45,140 students have so far been impacted while the WAEC results of schools have improved as a result of the program.

 

“This competition started in 2012 to improve the educational standard of Edo and Delta states who are co-partners in this course. Seplat is aware of the key role education plays in the economic growth of nations.

 

The competition started with 574 schools; today four schools have emerged for the grand finale. At the end, we do projects to improve the school’s infrastructure.

The questions are formulated in conjunction with the teachers using their syllabus. We have impacted 45,140 students since 2012. This program has also improved the WAEC results of schools”.

 

Dr Uwanchukwu hinted that the teachers’ empowerment program aimed at improving them on how to positively impact the students in the classroom will hold next week in Benin.

 

The Permanent Secretary of Ministry of Education, Mrs Stella Maris Imasuen who represented the Secretary to Edo State Government, Barr. Osarodio Ogie commended Seplat for their robust corporate social responsibility to its host communities and coming up with the competition aimed at rewarding academic excellence.

 

Mrs Imasuen said that Edo State government has put in place quality education-friendly policies to empower the Edo child through EDOBEST and the provision of science and technology education.

 

On his part, the Speaker of Edo State House of Assembly, Rt. Hon. Marcus Enobun commended Seplat for this laudable initiative of positively engaging the Nigerian youths and building the capacity of students.

 

The Speaker called on other companies to take a cue from Seplat by giving back to the society which is their corporate responsibility.

 

The schools were also awarded trophies and educational materials.

There were also dance performances by schools to entertain guests.