Seplat, NNPC Reward Brilliant Edo, Delta Students with ₦18m in PEARLs Quiz

Seplat Energy Plc, in partnership with the NNPC Exploration and Production Limited (NEPL), has rewarded outstanding students from Edo and Delta States with a total of ₦18 million through its annual PEARLs Quiz competition.

The 2025 edition of the competition, held on Saturday in Asaba, Delta State, saw Pioneer Education Centre, Edo State, clinch the top prize of ₦10 million. Notre Dame College, Uzoro, Delta State, and Eucharistic Heart of Jesus Model College, Benin City, Edo State, came second and third, receiving ₦5 million and ₦3 million respectively.

The PEARLs Quiz — an acronym for Promoting Exceptional and Respectable Leaders — is a flagship Corporate Social Investment (CSI) initiative of the Seplat Energy/NNPC JV aimed at fostering academic excellence, critical thinking, and leadership skills among young students in its host communities.

Speaking at the event, Seplat Energy’s Director of External Affairs and Social Performance, Chioma Afe, represented by the General Manager of Government Relations, Hadiza Garbati, commended the efforts of both state governments and lauded all participants for their impressive performances. She noted that the initiative, which began in 2012, continues to nurture future leaders while strengthening community relations.

Afe praised teachers for their mentorship and acknowledged the role of Seplat’s various educational programmes in improving learning outcomes. She emphasized that every participant in the competition is a winner, as the knowledge gained will contribute positively to their personal growth and future ambitions.

The grand finale also featured a STEAM Innovation Challenge, where students showcased creative projects across science, technology, engineering, arts, and mathematics disciplines.

NNPC Exploration and Production Limited’s Managing Director, Nicolas Foucart, represented by Godwin Ijiga of the Corporate Communications Department, commended the participants for their enthusiasm and innovation, describing the initiative as a testament to youth potential in Nigeria.

Delta State Governor Sheriff Oborevwori, represented by Commissioner for Humanitarian Affairs, Community Support Services and Girl Child Development, Ms. Orode Uduaghan, hailed the Seplat–NNPC JV for its sustained impact in education. She said the programme has consistently inspired students to embrace excellence, confidence, and leadership, aligning perfectly with the state’s educational development goals.