The 9th edition of the NCDMB/NTA Science Quiz Competition for Secondary Schools in Bayelsa State wrapped up on Wednesday at the Nigerian Content Tower Conference Centre in Swali, Yenagoa. Kaiama Grammar School from Kolokuma/Opokuma Local Government Area and Federal Government Girls College in Imiringi, Ogbia Local Government Area took home the top prizes. Apex Academy from Yenagoa came in as the second runner-up.
Each of these schools received prizes, which included a set of high-quality laboratory equipment, an anatomical skeleton model, microscopes, an electronic compact scale, and a standard printer. The six contestants also got an HP laptop each for their personal use.
In his welcome speech at the event, Felix Omatsola Ogbe, Executive Secretary of the Nigerian Content Development and Monitoring Board (NCDMB), was represented by Obinna Ezeobi, General Manager of the Corporate Communications Division. He called the quiz competition a major event for the Board, highlighting its commitment to education by hosting this competition for nine years running.
He mentioned that the Nigerian Television Authority (NTA) started the science quiz for secondary schools many years ago. NTA invited NCDMB to join them in this partnership, which has lasted all this while. He said the partnership works well because both federal agencies share similar goals about education and building skills.
Ogbe explained that NCDMB's job is to build local capacity to help more Nigerians get involved in the oil and gas industry. He said the Science Quiz Competition is meant to spark students' interest in science and technology, the foundation of the oil and gas sector. He said, "It is in our interest to develop the young ones who will work in the industry" as the current workforce ages.
He reminded the audience that when the oil industry started in 1957, early workers had to prepare the next generation to take over. He said the Board has set up Information and Communication Technology (ICT) centres in various secondary schools across Nigeria. These centres are equipped with laptops, servers, smartboards, and facilities for steady electricity. Teachers in many of these schools have also received ICT training to share the needed knowledge.
"We hope to ignite your interest in innovation so that you will seek solutions that can drive our oil and gas sector and improve performance in other areas of the economy," he said. He added that sectors like mining, agriculture, and construction are also important to the Board.
Addressing the students, Mr Ezeobi encouraged them to use the HP laptops to build digital skills for their future instead of spending too much time on entertainment. In a goodwill message, Mrs Mary Ekanem, the General Manager of NTA in Yenagoa, praised NCDMB for its quick action to resume the Science Quiz Competition after it stopped due to money issues. She said part of NTA's job is to support education and that they found a strong partner in the Board.
"NCDMB is helping NTA fulfill its education mandate," she said, adding that education is key to national development. Mrs Ekanem added, "This competition makes students study and become knowledgeable."
She noted that NTA has a duty to manage information so citizens stay informed and educated, helping to unite the country. This responsibility pushes the organization to ensure fairness and balance in its reporting. Mr David Oyintare Enemiebor, the Coordinator of the Science Quiz Coordination, thanked NCDMB for increasing participation by raising the number of schools from 16 to 32. He said NCDMB has improved the event with quality prizes for the schools and students. "NCDMB, you have made a great impact," he stated.
The event concluded with the award of prizes to the schools and students representing the winning institutions.
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