Quiz competition: NNPC, Seplat reward schools with over N10m in Imo
Winners of the NNPC/Seplat Energy JV PEARLs Quiz 2026, Mountain Crest High School with representatives of Seplat Energy, NNPC, Imo Government and a traditional ruler after the grand finale in Owerri, on Saturday.
Owerri, May 2026 (TBL Africa) The NNPC Upstream Investment Management Services (NUIMS) and Seplat Energy Joint Venture has rewarded schools and brilliant students with cash and scholarship awards worth N10.5 million in Imo.
The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that the schools and students received the prizes at the end of the 2026 edition of the Promoting Exceptional and Responsible Leaders (PEARLs) quiz and Steam competition grand finale in Owerri, on Saturday.
The Seplat PEARLs quiz and Steam competition are annual academic competitions for secondary school students in the company’s operating areas, aimed at promoting excellence and raising the quality of education.
Over 200 schools in Imo participated in the year 2026 edition, with Mountain Crest High School emerging overall winner of the quiz competition and receiving a project-based grant of N5 million for school development and a trophy.
The three students who represented the school received N100,000 each in scholarship grants, while their teacher went home with a laptop.
In the second place was Owerri City Secondary School, which received a project-based grant of N3 million and a trophy, with three students who represented the school receiving N75,000 each as educational support grants, and their teacher receiving a laptop.
Eziachi Secondary School, Orlu, emerged third, receiving a project-based grant of N1 million, with each of the three representing students receiving N50,000 in educational support grants and their teacher, a laptop.
Christ the King College came fourth in the competition but without any monetary prize although their teacher went home with a laptop in recognition of the school’s participation and efforts at the grand finale.
For the Steam Innovation Project segment, 10 schools showcased innovative and problem-solving projects developed by students, which were assessed on relevance to real-life problems, value addition, technical depth, sustainability and quality of presentation.
PAC College emerged overall winner of the category, receiving a grant of N500,000; St Theresa College came second and received the sum of N250,000 while Urban College secured the third position, receiving N100,000 to support the development and scale-up of their projects.
All other participating students however, received school bags and exercise books in recognition of their efforts and participation throughout the competition.
Speaking at the event, Seplat Energy’s Director of External Affairs and Social Performance, Chioma Afe, described the day as a “celebration of intellect, discipline, perseverance, confidence, curiosity and the boundless promise of young people.
“ The PEARLs Quiz is our flagship education quiz programme designed to encourage discipline, rigour, academic excellence, sharpness, and improve the minds of secondary school students in the various states where we operate.
“Seplat Energy and our JV partner, NNPC Limited, remain steadfast in our resolve to power lives, empower minds, and ensure that no brilliance is overlooked and no talent is left behind,” she said.
The Acting Chief Upstream Investment Officer, NUIMS, Olanrewaju Igandan represented by Loveday Minanengiyeofori, Lead Community Relations, NUIMS, said that the event was a show of the commitment of both organisations to education and intellectual growth among students.
He advised the students to look beyond the material rewards and embrace the learning, growth and peer connections that the competition affords.
He noted that the friendships forged and knowledge gained would serve them well in future endeavours.
The Imo Governor, Sen. Hope Uzodinma, represented by the Commissioner for Petroleum Resources, Mr Emeka Mgbudem, commended the joint venture and pledged continued support for programmes that empower students and encourage innovation.
