By Eseoghene Emuke
A 14-year-old SSS 3 student of Delta Careers College, Ugboroke, Uvwie Local Government Area of Delta State, Trust Akpeti, has won the 2019 edition of Awokoya Memorial Chemistry Competition sponsored by Chevron Nigeria Limited (CNL).
This is even as Chevron has reiterated its commitment towards improving the quality of education in Nigeria’s schools.
Speaking at the 2019 Awokoya Memorial Chemistry Competition award ceremony held at PTI Conference Centre in Effurun, Delta state on Saturday, Chairman/Managing Director of CNL, Mr. Jeffrey Ewing said the contest had become a widow towards promoting science subjects.
Ewing, Represented by the Warri Area Manager, policy, government and public affairs, Engr. Sam Daibo, emphasized that the Nigerian National Petroleum Corporation/Chevron Joint Venture has through the annual contest, paved the way for students to excel in the sciences.
“Our findings reveal that all the past awardees proceeded to further their studies in science-related disciplines at the university, both locally and internationally and they are excelling in their academics.
“Over the years, the NNPC/CNL JV has shown commitment to supporting quality education through investments in education infrastructure, sponsorship of manpower development programmes and provision of scholarships. We are committed to improving the quality of education in Nigeria because education is important for the development of the country.
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“Our corporate belief is that education remains a veritable tool for personal and societal growth and sustainable development. We are also pleased that our contributions to education are helping to improve the ability of Nigeria to develop quality manpower in different fields including, but not limited to, the oil and gas industry,” Ewing stated.
In his remarks, chairman of the occasion and national president of CSN, Prof. Sunday Okeniyi, said that the competition is a form of welfare that “serves as a propeller” for the study of Chemistry.
Represented by CSN Fellows Committee chairman, Prince Jay Oghifo, he posited that “involving our children early in life is a healthy innovation. Active participation keeps children moving and is good for their self esteem. Every lesson learnt during the competition are lessons for life”.
Presenting a lecture, Professor of Educational Management and Evaluation, Mr. John Odili, urged teachers of science subjects, especially Chemistry, to mind the complexity of the English Language in the course of delivering their duties.
He said: “when we teach students Chemistry, efforts should be made to simplify our use of the language,” in order to ease understanding.
Other prize winners in the 2019 competition includes Ifeanyi Dumkelechi of Peniel Academy, Agbor, and Victory Oboh of Lord’s and King’s Academy, Warri, who clinched the third prize.
The Awokaya Chemistry Competition was initiated by the NNPC/CNL Joint Venture, in partnership with the Chemical Society of Nigeria, Delta Chapter and the Delta State Ministry of Education, to promote the study of the subject among secondary school students across the state.
