· Celebrates academic excellence as PEARLs quiz impacts 57,000 students

The NNPC Exploration and Production Limited (NEPL)/Seplat Energy Joint Venture (JV) has reaffirmed its commitment to improving education outcomes and nurturing future leaders across Edo and Delta States.

The Joint Venture which stated this in the just concluded 2026 edition of its flagship PEARLs Quiz Competition, said this year's competition attracted 476 secondary schools, culminating in a keenly contested grand finale that celebrated academic excellence, innovation, confidence and character among young people.

The oil giant said the programme has impacted over 57,000 students, with more than N100 million invested in school infrastructure and educational development.

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Notre Dame College, Ozoro, Delta State, emerged overall winner, receiving the championship trophy and a N10 million education infrastructure grant.

Henson Demonstration School, Benin City, placed second and received N5 million, while Lumen Christi College came third, winning N3 million.

Student representatives and supervising teachers from the top three schools also received educational support prizes.

Speaking at the event, Samson Ezugworie, Chief Operating Officer, Seplat Energy Plc, said the JV's education interventions are designed to address foundational gaps and create stronger pathways for young people to thrive.

"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.

"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 N100 million invested in school infrastructure and educational development," she said.

Nicolas Foucart, Managing Director, NEPL, represented by Olubukonla Oyegbami, commended the partnership and urged participants to focus not only on prizes but on the knowledge, discipline and confidence gained through the competition.

"Every participant is a winner. The real value is in the experience gained and how it is applied in future endeavors," he said.

Chioma Afe, Director, External Affairs and Social Performance, Seplat Energy Plc, said PEARLs has grown into one of the JV's most impactful education initiatives since its launch in 2012.

The event also featured a STEAM Innovation Showcase, where students presented practical solutions to real-world problems. Cradle High School emerged overall winner, while Ogbe Secondary School and Meridien Royal Academy placed second and third respectively, receiving cash prizes of N1 million, N500,000 and 200,000.

Representatives of the Delta and Edo State Governments commended the NEPL/Seplat Energy JV for sustaining investments that continue to strengthen education, inspire excellence and support youth development.

Through PEARLs and other education-focused CSI initiatives, including the Seplat Teachers Empowerment Programme and STEAM laboratories, the NEPL/Seplat Energy JV continues to expand opportunities for young people and contribute to sustainable development across its host communities.