The 9th edition of the NCDMB/NTA Science Quiz Competition for Secondary Schools in Bayelsa State concluded on Wednesday at the Nigerian Content Tower (NCT) Conference Centre in Swali, Yenagoa. Kaiama Grammar School in Kolokuma/Opokuma Local Government Area and Federal Government Girls College, Imiringi in Ogbia Local Government Area secured the top prizes, while Apex Academy in Yenagoa emerged as the second runner-up.
Prizes Awarded
Each of the three winning schools received a set of high-quality laboratory equipment, an anatomical skeleton model, microscopes, an electronic compact scale, and a standard printer. The six contestants were each awarded an HP laptop for personal use.
NCDMB Commitment to Education
In his welcome address, the Executive Secretary of the Nigerian Content Development and Monitoring Board (NCDMB), Felix Omatsola Ogbe, represented by Obinna Ezeobi, General Manager of the Corporate Communications Division (CCD), described the quiz competition as a flagship event. He noted that the Board has sustained the competition for nine consecutive years, demonstrating its commitment to education. The partnership with the Nigerian Television Authority (NTA) has endured due to shared goals in education and capacity development.
Ogbe explained that NCDMB's mandate is to develop indigenous capacity for greater Nigerian participation in the oil and gas industry. The Science Quiz Competition aims to stimulate students' interest in science and technology, which are foundational to the sector. He emphasized the importance of developing young talent to replace an aging workforce, recalling that when the industry began in 1957, the pioneers trained successors.
The Board has established ICT centres in many secondary schools across Nigeria, equipped with laptops, servers, interactive smartboards, and stable electricity. Teachers have been trained in ICT to impart relevant skills. Ogbe expressed hope that the competition would ignite innovation and interest in solving challenges in oil and gas and other sectors like mining, agriculture, and construction.
Mr. Ezeobi advised students to use the HP laptops for developing digital skills rather than entertainment.
NTA Partnership
Mrs. Mary Ekanem, General Manager of NTA Yenagoa, commended NCDMB for reviving the Science Quiz Competition after it was shelved due to financial constraints. She noted that NTA's mandate includes promoting education and that NCDMB has been an excellent partner. She stated, "This competition makes students to study and become knowledgeable," and highlighted NTA's role in disseminating information for national unity and enlightenment.
Expanded Participation
Mr. David Oyintare Enemiebor, Coordinator of the Science Quiz Competition, thanked NCDMB for expanding participation from 16 to 32 schools and enhancing the event's profile with quality prizes. He declared, "NCDMB, you have made great impact." The event concluded with the award of prizes to the winning schools and students.
