Three schools excel at NEPL/Seplat PEARLs quiz, win N18m grants

The NNPC Exploration and Production Limited (NEPL)/Seplat Energy Joint Venture has given out N18 million in grants for education to the best secondary schools at the 2026 PEARLs Quiz Competition.

PEARLs means Promoting Exceptional and Respectable Leaders.

The grants were awarded during the grand finale of the competition on Monday in Benin, Edo State. This shows the JV’s ongoing commitment to improving education in Edo and Delta states.

The competition has benefited more than 57,000 students and had 476 secondary schools participate. It ended with a competitive final that highlighted academic excellence, innovation, critical thinking, and leadership.

Notre Dame College, Ozoro, Delta, took home the top prize, winning the championship trophy and a N10 million grant for education infrastructure.

Henson Demonstration School, Benin City, came second and received a N5 million grant. Lumen Christi College, Uromi, placed third and got N3 million.

Students and teachers from the top three schools also got educational support prizes.

At the event, Seplat Energy’s Chief Operating Officer, Samson Ezugworie, said the JV’s efforts in education aim to close learning gaps and provide chances for young people to succeed.

“Our approach goes beyond just giving educational help. We want to create opportunities for students and schools to thrive, while building a stronger education system that can compete globally,” he said.

Nicolas Foucart, Managing Director of NEPL, encouraged participants to appreciate the knowledge, discipline, and confidence they gained from the competition, beyond just the awards.

Mr Foucart was represented by Olubukonla Oyegbami, a staff member of the company.

“Every participant is a winner. The true value lies in the experience gained and how it can be used in the future,” he said.

Chioma Afe, Director of External Affairs and Social Performance at Seplat Energy, mentioned that PEARLs has grown into one of the JV’s main educational initiatives since it started in 2012.

She noted that the program has helped over 57,000 students, with more than N100 million spent on school infrastructure and educational development.

“PEARLs is not just a quiz. It builds confidence, discipline, leadership, and problem-solving skills,” she said.

She added that the JV will keep expanding access to quality education through PEARLs and other programs.

The event also included a STEAM Innovation Showcase, where students showed practical solutions to real-life problems.

Cradle High School, Benin, won overall and got N1 million, while Ogbe Secondary School and Meridien Royal Academy came second and third, earning N500,000 and N200,000 respectively.

Representatives from the Edo and Delta governments praised the NEPL/Seplat Energy JV for its ongoing investments that support education, inspire academic excellence, and promote youth development.