The annual contest, themed “Powering Tomorrow: Science and Innovative Solutions,” brought together some of the brightest young minds from schools across the state, providing a platform to promote Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics (STEM) education while encouraging creativity, critical thinking, and healthy academic rivalry.
The Borikiri-based school secured the coveted title after outperforming other finalists through exceptional accuracy, confidence, composure, and a deep understanding of science concepts. Its victory marked the culmination of a rigorous three-stage competition consisting of the Championship Round, Science Project Exhibition, and the Grand Finale.
Beyond the quiz competition, students also demonstrated their ingenuity through practical scientific projects aimed at addressing real-life and environmental challenges.
In the Science Project Exhibition category, Government Girls Secondary School, Orominieke, emerged as the overall winner. Oginigba Comprehensive Secondary School, Oginigba, finished in second place, while Government Girls Secondary School, Finima-Bonny, secured third position.
Speaking at the grand finale, the General Manager, External Relations and Sustainable Development of NLNG, Sophia Horsfall, described the competition as a strategic investment in the future of Nigeria’s youth and a deliberate effort to cultivate the next generation of innovators, scientists, engineers, and technology experts.
According to her, the competition has evolved beyond a conventional science quiz into a platform designed to inspire innovation and practical problem-solving among young people.
“The NLNG Science Contest provides the framework required for innovation-led projects to thrive, as NLNG continues to inspire a sustainable future through the power of science.
“This platform now serves as a genuine catalyst for excellence. We have redesigned it to strengthen foundational knowledge in Mathematics, ICT, Physics, Chemistry, and Biology across a much broader scope. Our goal is to go beyond the textbook, sparking the critical thinking and innovation that our world so urgently needs,” she said.
Horsfall reaffirmed NLNG’s commitment to advancing quality education and deepening students’ interest in STEM-related disciplines. She stressed that Nigeria’s future development would depend largely on young people who possess the ability to think critically, innovate boldly, and develop practical solutions to societal challenges.
Also speaking at the event, the Rivers State Commissioner for Education, Hon. Dr. Peters Nwagor, highlighted the critical role of education in driving scientific and technological advancement.
He noted that education remains the bedrock upon which innovation flourishes, as it equips students with essential skills such as critical thinking, creativity, confidence, and problem-solving abilities necessary for transforming ideas into practical realities.
The commissioner stated that the Rivers State Government recognizes the strategic importance of science education in building a prosperous and globally competitive society.
“The Rivers State Government, under the leadership of His Excellency, Sir Siminalayi Fubara, GSSRS, remains committed to strengthening the education sector through improved infrastructure, capacity building for teachers, curriculum enhancement, and the promotion of Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics (STEM) education,” he said.
Nwagor also commended all students who participated in the contest, describing their presence at the final stage as evidence of dedication, discipline, perseverance, and academic excellence.
He encouraged them to remain focused on their educational pursuits, emphasizing that participation alone had already distinguished them as future scientists, engineers, researchers, innovators, and leaders, regardless of the final outcome.
The 2026 edition of the NLNG Science Contest attracted participation from 140 secondary schools across Rivers State. After several rounds of competition, only seven schools advanced to the grand finale.
Similarly, the Science Project Exhibition category began with 42 participating schools, from which 11 schools qualified for the final stage.
Since its introduction in 2008, the NLNG Science Contest has grown into one of the leading science education initiatives in Rivers State. Although the programme was suspended for six years to allow for process improvements, it was relaunched in 2020 and has continued to expand in scope and impact.
The addition of the Science Project Exhibition component has further enriched the competition by providing students with opportunities to apply scientific principles to practical challenges, develop innovative solutions, and strengthen their engagement with STEM education.
The competition is organised by NLNG in partnership with the Rivers State Ministry of Education, the Rivers State Chapter of the Science Teachers Association of Nigeria (STAN), and Dragnet Solutions Limited, all working together to nurture scientific excellence and prepare young Nigerians for future opportunities in science and technology.