By Els William
Government Secondary School, Oyigbo, Rivers State, winner of the 2024 NLNG Science Quiz competition, has decried the scarcity of science equipment in their school. The team, represented by Nnanna Peace and Raphael Ataisi, scored 63,858 points to emerge victorious.
NLNG’s General Manager, External Relations and Sustainable Development, Andy Odeh, emphasized the competition’s goal of promoting scientific literacy, critical thinking, and problem-solving skills.
He further informed that NLNG’s commitment to science education extends beyond the competition, with initiatives like the NLNG University Support Programme, scholarship programs, and infrastructure development in host communities.
“At NLNG, we firmly believe that now is the time to prepare for the future. As we look around, it is clear that the future is being shaped by scientific and technological advancements. Among these, Artificial Intelligence stands out as a transformative force.
“AI is reshaping our world, and we are challenged to understand it, embrace it, and seamlessly integrate it into our daily lives. We must demystify AI, making it as accessible and straightforward as ABC.
“There is no better time to expose our children and youths to these advancements than now. AI has become so integral to our lives that everyone, in some way, relies on it. From healthcare professionals using AI for precise diagnoses and treatments to students utilizing AI-powered tools for their studies, technology is enhancing our lives in countless ways.”
He continues, “The train of progress has left the station, and we must catch up quickly if we want to be significant players in the future. This year’s theme, ‘Artificial Intelligence: Innovating the Future,’ reflects our focus.
“This science quiz competition is an opportunity to test our children’s knowledge, ignite their creativity, and hone their problem-solving skills – essential ingredients for innovation. Through this competition, we aim to promote scientific and technological literacy, critical thinking, and problem-solving skills, encouraging young people to pursue careers in science, engineering, and technology.
“We are deeply committed to science education because we believe it is the cornerstone of development. Remember, the future of our society depends on our actions today. Together, let us create a world that is innovative, equitable, and prosperous for all through AI and technology.”
Commissioner Urges Corporate Support for Education
The Rivers State Commissioner for Education, Chinedum Chukuma, represented by Permanent Secretary Ebere Emenike, called on other corporate organizations to follow NLNG’s example in making a positive impact on the lives of Rivers State youths through education initiatives.
He said, “Rivers State is very happy with what NLNG is doing by exposing our kids to these kinds of competitions and we urged other corporate bodies to emulate NLNG. These kinds of competitions expose our kids to critical thinking and instill a passion for innovation, which is the hallmark of STEM education.”
Winners of the Science Quiz Bemoan Lack of Equipment
In an emotional plea while speaking to the press, the 2024 NLNG Science Quiz Competition champions, Miss Raphael Ataisi and Miss Nnanna Peace, lamented the dire shortage of science practical equipment at their alma mater, Government Secondary School, Oyigbo.
With one voice, they declared, “We are so happy to be the winners of the NLNG 2024 Science Quiz Competition. We want to thank NLNG for providing this opportunity for public schools to compete among themselves.
“I wasn’t even expecting the fourth position, but to the glory of God, we came first. In our GSS Oyigbo, we lack computer and science laboratories in our school. We have no equipment in our school to experiment.
“So we learn without experiment, we learn only theory. But to God be the glory, we continue to put in our best and today we made it.”
Source: Punch