NNPC/Seplat JV rewards intelligence, innovation at 2026 PEARLs quiz finale in Imo

NNPC Upstream Investment Management Services (NUIMS)/Seplat Energy Joint Venture has successfully hosted the 2026 PEARLs Quiz and STEAM Competition grand finale in Owerri, Imo State, where it reaffirmed commitment to advance education advancement and youth development.

In the grand finale, Mountain Crest High School emerged the overall winner of the quiz competition, and received a project-based grant of N5,000,000 for school development and a trophy. The three students who represented the school also received N100,000 each in scholarship grants, while their teacher went home with a laptop.

In the second place, Owerri City Secondary School, received a project-based grant of N3,000,000 and a trophy, the three students who represented the school received N75,000 each as educational support grants, and their teacher also received a laptop.

Eziachi Secondary School, Orlu, emerged third, received a project-based grant of N1,000,000, with each of the three representing students receiving N50,000 in educational support grants while their teacher went home with a laptop.

Christ the King College placed fourth in the competition but no monetary prize was attached to the position. The teacher went home with a laptop, in recognition of the school’s participation and efforts at the grand finale.

In addition to the quiz competition, the event also featured the STEAM Innovation Project segment, through which 10 schools showcased innovative and problem-solving projects developed by students. Projects were assessed on relevance to real-life problems, value addition, technical depth, sustainability and quality of presentation.

To this, PAC College emerged overall winner of the STEAM Innovation Project, receiving a grant of N500,000 to support the development and scale-up of its project. The St Theresa College placed second and received N250,000, while Urban College secured third position, receiving N100,000.

All other participating students received school bags and exercise books in recognition of their efforts and participation throughout the competition.

Commenting on the initiative, Chioma Afe, director, External Affairs and Social Performance, Seplat Energy Plc, 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 targeted at secondary schools in the various states where we operate. We discovered through years of research and needs assessment that one of the critical needs within our communities is education.

“This programme was designed to encourage discipline, rigour, academic excellence, sharpness, and improving the minds of students,” she said.

“At Seplat Energy and our JV partner, NNPC Limited, we believe that education is one of the most powerful investments any organisation can make in the future of people. That is why our social investment approach is rooted in long-term impact,” she noted.

She added that the initiative complements other educational interventions, including the Seplat Teachers Empowerment Programme and Science Innovators Programme, aimed at strengthening educational development within host communities.

Olanrewaju Igandan, the acting chief Upstream Investment Officer, NUIMS, represented by Minanengiyeofori Loveday, Lead Community Relations, NUIMS, described the event as a testament to the commitment of both organisations to fostering education and intellectual growth among students in Imo State.

“As we reflect on the journey since the inaugural edition, I am thrilled to see how this event has evolved into a significant platform for young minds to showcase their knowledge and skills. Our partnership with Seplat Energy exemplifies our commitment to investing in the future of our youth,” he said.

Emeka Mgbudem, commissioner for petroleum resources, who represented Governor Hope Uzodinma, commended Seplat Energy JV and its partners for sustaining initiatives that positively impact education and youth development within the state, and pledged the continued support of the Imo State Government towards programmes that empower students and encourage innovation.

“You will not fully appreciate what this joint venture has done in Imo State until you visit that facility,” he said. He noted that this was his third consecutive year attending the PEARLs Quiz, and commended the breadth of the joint venture’s contributions to Imo State, which he said extended beyond education to healthcare and community welfare through programmes such as the “Eye Can See initiative.”

Ifedioranma Okereke a student of Mountain Crest High School said, “this is the first time it has been so large-scale. I am very happy and appreciative to Seplat and NNPC for giving students this opportunity to show their worth. Apart from ordinary school exams, people actually have the chance to show that not only are they intelligent, but exceptional.”

Also, Nnodim Adeze, a student of Owerri City Secondary School, said: “It makes you more determined because you are seeing a lot of opportunities you could get. From the beginning to the end is not easy, but this really shows that the NNPC/Seplat JV cares for the students and have them at heart. I really appreciate them.”