The NLNG and the Science Teachers Association of Nigeria have hailed the performance of some Public Schools in Rivers State, saying they are producing innovators and researchers for the betterment of the society.
The remark came on the heels of the recent annual Science quiz competitions organized by the NLNG for public schools in the state.
The competition which inspiredintellectual contests and raised enthusiasm of science students is aimed at promoting scientific and technological literacy, critical thinking and problem solving skills among secondary school students.
Rivers State Chairman of Science Teachers Association of Nigeria, Dr Peter Nwagor said the competition is giving opportunities to students from public schools to showcase their creativity and skills.
Nwagor spoke when the NLNG hosted two schools from Rivers State, Oginigba Comprehensive Secondary School, (winner of the Science Project category) and community secondary school,Igbo-Etche, which emerged winners at the final national science quiz competition which was held in Abeokuta in Ogun State recently.
Earlier this year, the two schools emerged winners of the competition at the State level before proceeding to Ogun State for the final championship.
Nwagor said, “This is remarkable for the champions being received by NLNG at its headquarters in Port Harcourt. With what NLNG is doing, it has given opportunities and space for public schools to showcase themselves and has brought schools to the consciousness to study and work hard.
He said the move is steadily and strategically reviving public schools, adding that, “Some schools have started working for next year’s competition now, the majority of people who go to school don’t focus on academics but Public schools in Rivers State are transforming to something better because of this science competition.”
He commended the NLNG for their support and the donation of laboratory equipment to the schools in Igbo Etche which he said will not only benefit the participants by the entire school and younger generations.
In her address, the External Relations and Sustainable Development Manager, NLNG, Dr Sophia Horsfall, said the company deemed it necessary to host and celebrate the winning students and their schools for their outstanding knowledge in science, success in the competition.
Horsfall stated, “When young people rise, an entire community rises with them. At first, just this year it was the NLNG Science Quiz Competition, and then you went on to represent Rivers State at the finals of the Science Teachers Association of Nigeria National Science Competition in Abeokuta.
“Both schools have shown outstanding scientific knowledge, and the students who represented the schools truly deserve the recognition and honours we are giving them.”
She continued, “You brought great honour truly to Rivers State, to your schools, and to NLNG, which already identified you as champions during the NLNG Science Quiz earlier in the year.
“And more importantly, you have distinguished yourselves as great scholars. I hope you will maintain this high standard through your education and all you do in life.”
While urging the students to maintain standard, Dr Horsfall admonished, “The journey continues. You need to turn challenges to opportunities.
“We believe some of you can become researchers, unlocking the mysteries of diseases, engineers designing sustainable techniques and technologies, or even educators, transforming the sector, whatever part you choose, do it well and you have our support.”
The Director Science and Technology Education, Rivers State Ministry of Education, Dr.Inisefiekabo Tam Job, lauded the NLNG for shaping young minds and for their consistent support for educational development in the state.
Tam urged the winners to remain focused and utilize the opportunities given to them to excel in life.
