Key points
- NEPL/Seplat Energy JV awarded N18 million in education infrastructure grants to three secondary schools.
- Notre Dame College, Ozoro, won the 2026 PEARLs Quiz Competition and received a N10 million grant.
- The competition attracted 476 schools and has impacted more than 57,000 students since inception.
- The JV reaffirmed its commitment to improving education and youth development in Edo and Delta states.
Main story
The NNPC Exploration and Production Limited (NEPL)/Seplat Energy Joint Venture (JV) has awarded N18 million in education infrastructure grants to three secondary schools at the 2026 edition of its Promoting Exceptional and Respectable Leaders (PEARLs) Quiz Competition.
Notre Dame College, Ozoro, Delta State, emerged overall winner of the competition, receiving the championship trophy and a N10 million education infrastructure grant.
Henson Demonstration School, Benin City, finished second and received a N5 million grant, while Lumen Christi College, Uromi, secured third place and was awarded N3 million.
The awards were presented at the competition’s grand finale held on Monday in Benin City, with student representatives and supervising teachers from the top three schools also receiving educational support prizes.
Speaking at the event, Seplat Energy Chief Operating Officer, Samson Ezugworie, said the joint venture’s education programmes were designed to bridge learning gaps and create opportunities for students to excel.
“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,” he said.
Managing Director of NEPL, Nicolas Foucart, urged participants to value the knowledge and experience gained through the competition beyond the prizes.
Represented by Olubukonla Oyegbami, Foucart said every participant was a winner because of the skills and confidence acquired during the competition.
Director of External Affairs and Social Performance at Seplat Energy, Chioma Afe, said the PEARLs initiative had become one of the joint venture’s flagship education programmes since its launch in 2012.
She said the initiative had reached more than 57,000 students and attracted 476 secondary schools, with over N100 million invested in school infrastructure and educational development.
The issues
The PEARLs Quiz Competition is part of the NEPL/Seplat Energy JV’s education and community development programme aimed at improving learning outcomes and promoting leadership among young people in Edo and Delta states. In addition to the annual competition, the joint venture supports education through initiatives such as the Seplat Teachers Empowerment Programme and Science, Technology, Engineering, Arts and Mathematics (STEAM) laboratories. The event also featured a STEAM Innovation Showcase, where Cradle High School, Benin, won the top prize, ahead of Ogbe Secondary School and Meridien Royal Academy.
What’s being said
“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.” — Samson Ezugworie, Seplat Energy COO
“PEARLs is more than a quiz. It builds confidence, discipline, leadership and problem-solving skills.” — Chioma Afe, Director of External Affairs and Social Performance, Seplat Energy
What’s next
The NEPL/Seplat Energy JV said it would continue expanding access to quality education through the PEARLs Quiz Competition and other initiatives aimed at strengthening teaching, innovation and youth development in its host communities.
Bottom line
The NEPL/Seplat Energy JV reinforced its commitment to education by awarding N18 million to top-performing schools and pledging continued investment in programmes that promote academic excellence and leadership among young Nigerians.
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