Edo, Delta schools shine as Seplat Energy JV hosts PEARLs quiz finale in Asaba

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The spirit of academic excellence and youth empowerment came alive in Asaba as Seplat Energy Plc, in partnership with the Nigerian National Petroleum Company Exploration and Production Limited (NEPL), successfully concluded the 2025 edition of its annual PEARLs Quiz Competition for secondary schools across Edo and Delta States.

The grand finale, held at the Marquee Event Centre, Asaba, witnessed an impressive turnout of students, teachers, education officials, and dignitaries from both states.

After several rounds of intense competition, Pioneer Education Centre, Edo State, emerged overall winner, clinching the N10 million star prize, which will be used to equip the school’s ICT centre.

Notre Dame College, Uzoro, Delta State, and Eucharistic Heart of Jesus Model College, Benin, Edo State, finished in second and third places, taking home N5 million and N3 million respectively.

Ogini Model College, Ogharefe-Oghara, Delta State, placed fourth and received a consolation prize for its effort.

The PEARLs Quiz — which stands for Promoting Exceptional and Respectable Leaders — remains one of Seplat Energy JV’s flagship Corporate Social Investment (CSI) programmes, designed to promote academic excellence, foster critical thinking, and inspire future leaders across its host communities.

In her opening remarks, Chioma Afe, Director of External Affairs and Social Performance at Seplat Energy, represented by Hadiza Garbati, General Manager, Government Relations, welcomed guests and commended the Edo and Delta State governments for their continued partnership.

Afe highlighted the initiative’s long-standing impact since its inception in 2012, noting that it had consistently nurtured the intellectual and moral growth of young people in Seplat’s host communities.

“A school might be going home today with the prize, but all of you are already winners,” she said, praising the quality of participation and the commitment of teachers who have benefited from Seplat’s various CSI educational initiatives.

She emphasised that the most valuable takeaway from the PEARLs Quiz was not just the prizes, but the lifelong learning and personal growth experienced by every participant.

The event also featured the STEAM Innovation Challenge, where students demonstrated creativity in Science, Technology, Engineering, Arts, and Mathematics through practical, problem-solving projects.

Hollywood International School, Asaba, won the top prize of N1 million for its multi-functional academic laboratory project.

Pioneer Education Centre, Benin, came second with N500,000, while Women Affairs Secondary School, Asaba, secured the third spot, earning N250,000.

Nicolas Foucart, Managing Director of NEPL, represented by Godwin Ijiga of the Corporate Communication Department, lauded the participants for their brilliance and enthusiasm throughout the competition.

He expressed gratitude to the Edo and Delta State governments for creating an enabling environment for business and education to thrive, noting that all participating students were “already winners.”

The finale also included impactful side sessions such as a health talk on the girl-child delivered by Emo Udobong-Ntia, General Manager, Corporate Services at Seplat Energy, and an inspirational session led by Ogechukwu Udeagha, General Manager, Public and Government Affairs.

Guest lecturer Edith Onwuchekwa, Director of Legal Services and Company Secretary at Seplat Energy, delivered a thought-provoking address titled “Cultivating a Culture of Excellence,” urging participants to “strive to know what quality is and strive for it.”

Delta State Governor, Sheriff Oborevwori, represented by Ms. Orode Uduaghan, Commissioner for Humanitarian Affairs, Community Support Services, and Girl Child Development, commended the Seplat JV for its sustained investment in education.

“Today, we celebrate not just a contest, but the brilliance, promise, and potential of our young people, the true future of our states and our nation,” he said.

The governor praised Seplat Energy and NEPL for their commitment to corporate social responsibility, noting that the PEARLs Quiz aligned with the state’s developmental vision and continues to nurture academic excellence among students.

Oborevwori encouraged all participants to remain focused and to use the confidence gained through the competition as a stepping stone to future success.

Similarly, Edo State Commissioner for Education, Dr. Emmanuel Iyamu, represented by Abudukadiri Ikoghade, Director, School Support Service, applauded Seplat JV’s continued support for education.

Dr. Iyamu described the PEARLs Quiz as a “remarkable platform for promoting and rewarding academic excellence, intellectual curiosity, and healthy competition.”

He also commended Seplat’s broader educational initiatives including the Seplat Teachers Empowerment Programme (STEP) and the STEAM Labs Project for enhancing teacher capacity and fostering innovation in schools.

He encouraged Edo students to hold their heads high, regardless of the results, noting that “all participants have already distinguished themselves as ambassadors of knowledge and excellence.”

Now in its 13th year, the Seplat PEARLs Quiz remains a cornerstone of the company’s educational development efforts in its operational states.

The annual competition, which involves qualifying tests and head-to-head contests, has consistently raised academic standards while inspiring a culture of excellence among students.

With the successful conclusion of the 2025 Western Asset Edition, the NEPL/Seplat Joint Venture once again reaffirmed its role as a catalyst for educational transformation and youth empowerment in Nigeria.

Seplat Energy Plc is a leading indigenous Nigerian energy company, dual-listed on the Nigerian Exchange Limited (NGX: SEPLAT) and the London Stock Exchange (LSE: SEPL).

With a strategic focus on Nigeria, the company continues to drive growth through investments in energy, education, and community development.

FOR FURTHER ENQUIRIES, CONTACT:

Chioma Afe – Director, External Affairs & Social Performance: CAfe@seplatenergy.com

Stanley Opara – Manager, Corporate Communications: SOpara@seplatenergy.com

Website: www.seplatenergy.com

PHOTO CAPTION:
Seplat Energy Plc, in partnership with NNPC Exploration and Production Limited (NEPL), successfully concluded the 2025 edition of the PEARLs Quiz Competition for secondary schools in Edo and Delta States. Pioneer Education Centre, Edo State, emerged overall winner, receiving a prize of N10 million, earmarked for equipping the school’s ICT centre.