Premiere Academy, located in Abuja, has emerged as the overall winner of the 2026 Battle of the Energy Titans competition, defeating 11 other finalists in a contest focused on solving Nigeria’s energy challenges. The competition was organized by the Nigeria National Petroleum Company Limited (NNPC) Foundation in partnership with the Oloibiri Oil and Gas Entrepreneurship Development Initiative (OLOGED) and served as the flagship event of the annual Youth Energy STEAM Festival (YES-Fest) 2026.
Themed ‘Young innovators solving energy poverty,’ this year’s edition of YES-Fest aimed to equip students with practical skills to design energy solutions for their communities. Out of 45 participating schools from the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Abuja, and beyond, 12 advanced to the finals. Premiere Academy distinguished itself through exceptional creativity, teamwork, and technical competence, earning the Overall Best Award.
For its victory, the school received a ₦500,000 cash prize, the Overall Best School Trophy, and a package of educational books and learning materials. This year’s event also featured the unveiling of the “Energy on Wheels Project for Schools,” a mobile initiative designed to bring energy education directly to classrooms across Nigeria.
Speaking after the award, Premiere Academy’s Principal, Mr. Chris Akinsowon, stated that the achievement reflects the school’s reputation for academic excellence, innovation, and holistic education. “Our students’ performance reflects the quality of instruction and mentorship by our dedicated staff and the strong support of our parents. We thank the board for creating platforms where students can excel beyond the classroom, as this is further proof of our vision to raise confident, innovative, globally competitive leaders.”
NNPC Foundation Managing Director, Mrs. Emmanuella Arukwe, praised the level of innovation displayed. “Participants presented solutions ranging from solar-powered devices and clean cooking technologies to mini-grid concepts and waste-to-energy systems. Battle of the Energy Titans is not just a contest. It is raising a new generation of ‘energypreneurs’ with the literacy, skills, and confidence to lead Africa’s energy future.”
OLOGED Initiative Executive Director, Onome Wilkinson, noted that YES-Fest’s STEAM approach ensures both science and arts students contribute ideas to the energy sector. “The initiative helps students understand energy’s role in powering homes and economies while challenging them to solve real access problems,” she said.
Premiere Academy’s victory reinforces its position as a leading institution shaping future-ready, problem-solving leaders for Nigeria and beyond.
