The NNPC Upstream Investment Management Services and Seplat Energy Plc Joint Venture (JV) has reinforced its commitment to education, innovation, and youth development in Nigeria, following the successful hosting of the 2026 PEARLs Quiz and STEAM Competition Grand Finale in Owerri, Imo State.
The annual initiative, one of the JV’s flagship corporate social investment programmes, drew participation from over 200 secondary schools across Imo State, highlighting its expanding reach and impact in strengthening academic excellence and innovation among young Nigerians.
Speaking at the event, Director of External Affairs and Social Performance at Seplat Energy, Chioma Afe, described the PEARLs Quiz as a structured academic programme designed to elevate education standards within host communities.
“The PEARLs Quiz is our flagship education programme targeted at secondary schools in the states where we operate. Our research consistently shows that education remains a critical need within our communities,” she said.
According to Afe, the competition features multi-stage qualifying assessments, culminating in a live head-to-head quiz and STEAM innovation exhibition. She emphasized that the initiative promotes discipline, critical thinking, intellectual curiosity, and real-world problem-solving skills, beyond rote learning.
“The world today demands more than memorised answers. It requires young people to think critically, challenge assumptions, and apply knowledge to real-life situations,” she added.
The JV noted that the PEARLs Quiz complements other long-term educational investments, including the Seplat Teachers Empowerment Programme and the Science Innovators Programme, both aimed at improving teaching quality and fostering innovation in science and technology.
Afe reaffirmed the company’s commitment to inclusive talent development: “We remain steadfast in our resolve to power lives, empower minds, and ensure that no brilliance is overlooked and no talent is left behind.”
Representing NUIMS, Acting Chief Upstream Investment Officer Olanrewaju Igandan, through Lead Community Relations, Minanengiyeofori Loveday, described the programme as a growing platform for nurturing intellectual capacity among Nigerian youths.
“This initiative has evolved into a significant platform for young minds to showcase their knowledge and skills. Our partnership with Seplat Energy reflects our commitment to investing in the future of our youth,” he said.
He encouraged participants to value the learning experience, peer engagement, and personal growth beyond the competition’s financial rewards.
The Imo State Government commended the JV’s sustained investments in education and community development. Representing Governor Hope Uzodinma, Commissioner for Petroleum Resources, Emeka Mgbudem, described the initiative as transformative.
He revealed that he had earlier visited a large-scale infectious disease hospital being constructed by the JV, noting its significance as one of the largest in Nigeria’s South-East.
“If we begin to analyse everything this joint venture has done—from restoring vision through healthcare programmes to training our children—we can only say thank you,” he stated.
Similarly, Commissioner for Niger Delta Affairs and Intelligence, Dr. Prince Henry Okafor, praised the high intellectual standard displayed by students, noting that the programme reflects the growing potential of young people in the state.
At the grand finale; Mountain Crest High School emerged overall winner, receiving a ₦5 million project grant, while each of its three student representatives received ₦100,000 scholarships. Their teacher was awarded a laptop.
Owerri City Secondary School placed second, earning a ₦3 million grant, with students receiving ₦75,000 each.
Eziachi Secondary School, Orlu secured third place, winning a ₦1 million grant, with ₦50,000 each awarded to student representatives.
Christ the King College finished fourth, with its teacher receiving a laptop.
Beyond the quiz, the competition featured a STEAM Innovation Project Exhibition, where 10 schools presented practical, problem-solving projects evaluated on relevance, sustainability, and technical depth.
- PAC College won the innovation category, receiving ₦500,000
- St Theresa College placed second with ₦250,000
- Urban College came third with ₦100,000
All participating students received educational materials, reinforcing the programme’s inclusive approach.
Participants described the competition as a life-changing experience. Ifedioranma Okereke of Mountain Crest High School said: “This is the first time I’ve seen something on this scale. It gives students the opportunity to prove they are not just intelligent, but exceptional.”
Similarly, Nnodim Adeze of Owerri City Secondary School noted: “It strengthens your determination. It shows that NNPC and Seplat truly care about students and their future.”
With participation growing annually and investments exceeding ₦10 million in grants and scholarships in this edition alone, the PEARLs Quiz continues to position the NNPC/Seplat JV as a key driver of education development, youth empowerment, and innovation in Nigeria.
As Nigeria advances its human capital development agenda, initiatives like the PEARLs Quiz underscore the critical role of private sector partnerships in shaping a knowledge-driven and innovation-led future.
