Pioneer Education Centre in Benin, Edo State, has emerged victorious at the grand finale of the NNPC/SEPLAT Energy 2025 PEARLS Quiz Competition, held in Asaba.
The school secured the top prize of ₦10 million, earmarked for the development of its Information and Communication Technology (ICT) centre.
The PEARLS Quiz—Promoting Exceptional and Respectable Leaders—is a flagship Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) initiative by the SEPLAT Joint Venture (JV), designed to empower secondary school students in Edo and Delta States through academic competition and infrastructural support.
The program also aims to equip schools with science laboratories and ICT facilities to enhance learning outcomes.
Notre Dame College, Uzoro in Delta State, and Eucharistic Heart of Jesus Model College, Benin, took second and third place respectively, receiving ₦5 million and ₦3 million in prize money. Ogini Model College, Ogharefe-Oghara, Delta, was recognized with a consolation prize for its participation.
In addition to the quiz, the event featured a STEAM Multi-Functional Laboratory project exhibition involving 11 schools. Hollywood International School, Asaba, won the top prize of ₦1 million, while Pioneer Education Centre and Women Affairs Secondary School, Asaba, placed second and third, earning ₦500,000 and ₦250,000 respectively.
Delta State Governor Sheriff Oborevwori, represented by Ms Orode Udughan, Commissioner for Humanitarian Affairs, praised the initiative for its long-standing impact on youth development.
“This competition celebrates the brilliance and promise of our young people. It’s a testament to what corporate partnerships can achieve in education,” he said.
Oborevwori commended SEPLAT Energy and NNPC for their consistent investment in education, noting that the PEARLS Quiz aligns with the state’s developmental goals.
“Beyond the prizes, every participant is a winner. The knowledge gained and confidence built will serve them for life,” he added.
Delta’s Commissioner for Secondary Education, Mrs Rose Ezewu, represented by Acting Permanent Secretary Mrs Patricia Iniovosa-Okakwu, echoed the governor’s sentiments, applauding the program for inspiring excellence and curiosity among students.
Edo State’s Commissioner for Education, Dr Emmanuel Iyamu, represented by Mr Abudukadiri Ikoghade, also lauded the joint venture for its positive influence on students and the academic environment. He congratulated Pioneer Education Centre for its outstanding performance and urged SEPLAT to continue its impactful work.
Students from participating schools expressed gratitude for the opportunity, pledging to remain committed to their studies and use the experience as motivation for future academic success.
