The NEPL/Seplat Energy JV PEARLs Quiz Competition grand finale held in Benin City, Edo State.
The NNPC Exploration and Production Limited (NEPL)/Seplat Energy Joint Venture (JV) says its PEARLs Quiz Competition has impacted more than 57,000 students across Edo and Delta states, with over ₦100 million invested in school infrastructure and educational development since the programme began in 2012.
Speaking at the 2026 edition of the PEARLs Quiz Competition in Benin City, Edo State, Seplat Energy’s Director of External Affairs and Social Performance, Chioma Afe, said the initiative has become one of the JV’s flagship education programmes, aimed at improving learning outcomes and developing future leaders.
According to Afe, this year’s competition attracted 476 secondary schools from Edo and Delta states, culminating in a grand finale that showcased academic excellence, innovation, confidence and character among participating students.
Notre Dame College, Ozoro, Delta State, emerged overall winner, receiving the championship trophy and a ₦10 million education infrastructure grant. Henson Demonstration School, Benin City, finished second and received ₦5 million, while Lumen Christi College claimed third place with a ₦3 million grant. Students and supervising teachers from the top three schools were also rewarded with educational support prizes.
Afe described the PEARLs initiative as more than an academic competition, noting that it equips students with confidence, leadership, discipline and problem-solving skills.
“PEARLs is more than a quiz. It builds confidence, discipline, leadership and problem-solving skills. To date, the programme has impacted over 57,000 students, with more than ₦100 million invested in school infrastructure and educational development,” she said.
Also speaking, Seplat Energy Chief Operating Officer, Samson Ezugworie, said the JV’s education interventions are focused on addressing foundational learning gaps while creating opportunities for young people to excel.
He noted that through PEARLs and other educational Corporate Social Investment (CSI) initiatives, including the Seplat Teachers Empowerment Programme and STEAM laboratories, the NEPL/Seplat Energy JV continues to strengthen educational opportunities and promote sustainable development in its host communities.
“Our approach goes beyond conventional educational support. It is about creating opportunities for students, schools and institutions to succeed, while building a stronger and globally competitive education system,” Ezugworie said.
The Managing Director of NEPL, Nicolas Foucart, represented by Olubukonla Oyegbami, urged participants to value the knowledge and experience gained through the competition above the prizes.
“Every participant is a winner. The real value is in the experience gained and how it is applied in future endeavors,” he said.
Representatives of the Edo and Delta State governments praised the NEPL/Seplat Energy JV for its sustained investment in education and youth development.
The event also featured a STEAM Innovation Showcase, where students presented practical solutions to real-world challenges. Cradle High School emerged overall winner, while Ogbe Secondary School and Meridien Royal Academy finished second and third, receiving cash prizes of ₦1 million, ₦500,000 and ₦200,000 respectively.
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