The Nigerian National Petroleum Corporation (NNPC) says the aim of its National Science Quiz Competition is to build capable leaders to actualise Nigeria’s dreams of a robust future.
Mr Ndu Ughamadu, Group General Manager, Public Affairs Division, NNPC, made the disclosure on Wednesday in Katsina, at the closing of the 2019 NNPC National Science Quiz Competition, Northwest Zone.
Ughamadu, represented by Alhaji Umar Abdurrahman, said that teachers, parents and the NNPC were all together in that noble course.
“We are striving to do our part to build capable leaders who can lead our country into tomorrow.
“Leaders who will see that Nigeria’s great potential is actualised.
“Therefore, you the contestants, are such leaders we are nurturing through this project as you battle it out with English and the core science subjects of Mathematics, Biology, Chemistry and Physics.
“You know that you are working with NNPC to build our nation,” he said.
He noted that out of the 37 contestants who emerged winners at state levels, 13 were from government schools, 24 from private schools and eight female.
He said the project was part of the NNPC’s Corporate Social Responsibility.
According to him, NNPC understood the value of education in the growth and development of any society.
“The NNPC National Science Quiz Competition encourages and plays a key role in sustaining our economy by providing us with tools to understand the world around us and innovations to solve everyday problems,’’ he said.
The quiz master, Mr Oyawale Olusegun, said the zone needs to intensify efforts in getting best students to represent the various states during such competitions.
He also urged the states to continue to do more on Mathematic and Physics, and train their students to be bold enough during such competitions.
Earlier, the Permanent Secretary, Katsina State Ministry of Education, Hajiya Halima Lawal commended NNPC for organising the competition and constructing four laboratories in some schools in the state.
Lawal said the state government would continue to accord education top priority, because of its role in nation building.
According to her, students’ enrollment has increased due to the construction of more schools in recent times in the state.
Albishir Bashir from Kaduna State emerged first with 45 points in five subjects.
Kebbi emerged second position with 40 marks, Sokoto, third, and Katsina was fourth during the competition.
