No fewer than 57,000 secondary school students across Edo and Delta states have benefited from the NNPC Exploration and Production Limited (NEPL)/Seplat Energy Joint Venture (JV) PEARLs Quiz Competition since its inception in 2012.
The initiative has also seen over ₦100 million invested in school infrastructure and educational development, reinforcing the JV’s commitment to improving education and youth development.
The 2026 edition of the flagship competition came to a close with the participation of 476 secondary schools from the two states, culminating in a keenly contested grand finale that celebrated academic excellence, innovation, confidence and character among young people.
Notre Dame College, Ozoro, Delta State, emerged overall winner, receiving the championship trophy and a ₦10 million education infrastructure grant. Henson Demonstration School, Benin City, finished second and received ₦5 million, while Lumen Christi College secured third place with a ₦3 million grant.
Student representatives and supervising teachers from the top three schools also received educational support prizes.
Speaking at the event, the Chief Operating Officer of Seplat Energy Plc, Samson Ezugworie, said the JV’s education interventions are designed to address foundational gaps and create stronger pathways for young people to thrive.
“Our approach goes beyond conventional educational support. It is about creating opportunities for students, schools and institutions to succeed, while building a stronger and globally competitive education system,” he said.
The Managing Director of NEPL, Nicolas Foucart, represented by Olubukonla Oyegbami, commended the partnership and urged participants to focus not only on the prizes but also on the knowledge, discipline and confidence gained through the competition.
“Every participant is a winner. The real value is in the experience gained and how it is applied in future endeavours,” he said.
Director of External Affairs and Social Performance at Seplat Energy Plc, Chioma Afe, described PEARLs as one of the JV’s most impactful education initiatives.
She said: “PEARLs is more than a quiz. It builds confidence, discipline, leadership and problem-solving skills. To date, the programme has impacted over 57,000 students, with more than ₦100 million invested in school infrastructure and educational development.”
The event also featured a STEAM Innovation Showcase, where students presented practical solutions to real-world challenges. Cradle High School emerged overall winner, while Ogbe Secondary School and Meridien Royal Academy placed second and third, receiving cash prizes of ₦1 million, ₦500,000 and ₦200,000 respectively.
Representatives of the Edo and Delta State governments commended the NEPL/Seplat Energy JV for sustaining investments that continue to strengthen education, inspire excellence and support youth development.
Through the PEARLs Quiz Competition and other education-focused corporate social investment initiatives, including the Seplat Teachers Empowerment Programme and STEAM laboratories, the NEPL/Seplat Energy JV said it remains committed to expanding educational opportunities and promoting sustainable development across its host communities.
