9th National Festival of Schools Science and Quiz Competition held in Lagos

From LHS: Head, Group Marketing , Interswitch, Mrs. Enyioma Anaba, Students of Doregos Private Academy, Corporate Affairs Manager, Mr. Osagie Ogunbor, Doregos Private Academy, Head Teacher, Mr. Lawal Olaide and Shell Petroleum,  Head Social Performance, Mr. Emmanuel Anyim.

The Honourable Minister of Communication Technology, Omobola Johnson has commended Intel Corporation, Shell Petroleum Development Company (SPDC) and Interswitch for thier support towards redirecting the objectives of educational development from knowledge based to empowerment.

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The minister gave the commendation at the 2013 Annual National Science and Engineering Fair which held at the University of Lagos. She also noted that the decision of the firms to bankroll the Science and Engineering Fair would further boost the study of Science and Technology in the country.

Activities to mark the four-day event included Science Quiz and exhibition showcase. The exhibition stage saw the competing schools pass their innovative inventions through several stages under the keen watch of panel of judges. The fair was jointly sponsored by Intel Corporation, Shell Petroleum Development Company (SPDC) and Interswitch.

While applauding the participating students, the minister, represented at the occasion by the Director General of Nigerian Postal Services (NIPOST), Lawrence Okoro stated that it was expedient that students at that level develop interests in practical sciences and engineering solutions to challenges in their environment and the nation as a whole.

Head, Social Performance, Shell Petroleum Development Company (SPDC), Emmanuel Anyim disclosed that the partnership with Intel and Interswitch was part of the Shell’s commitment to National development and actively positioning the Nigerian educational sector on a global pedestal.

In an interview with journalists, Ayim said “Science is key to the development of any country and we feel that the best way to begin is to encourage young talents by exposing them to global standards. And we are happy that the young scientists are rising to the challenge already.”

Speaking at the occasion, Corporate Affairs Manager, Intel Corporation, Mr. Osagie Ogunbor explained that Intel Corporation, in partnership with Shell and Interswitch was pursuing a transformational agenda in the educational sector to encourage a more practical approach to

learning that will gently prod the students to becoming pragmatic researchers rather than passive receivers of knowledge.

“The changing trends in the global economy are increasingly becoming knowledge-based being driven by advancements in Information and Communication Technology and this has significantly raised the stakes in the educational sector, thus we want to encourage a practical approach that will excite these young minds and spur their appreciation and effective contribution at the student-teacher level and, ultimately add to their wealth of knowledge in their respective disciplines.” Ogunbor stated in his address at the closing ceremony of the event.

As though already rising to the challenge thrown at them by the minister, students of Doregos Private Academy, Ipaja, Lagos emerged winners of the exhibition contest with their invented Urine-powered generator.  Peter Secondary School, Umuahia emerged winners in the quiz category.

Representatives of both schools went home with various prizes which included Laptop PC’s, Scholarship awards and cash. The two schools will further represent Nigeria at the International leg of the fair.

On her part, Head, Group Marketing, Interswitch, Enyioma Anaba further encouraged the students to embrace technology not just as a discipline but as a way of life in this fast-paced information era. She stated that Interswitch had positioned itself as a socially responsible company with heavy investments in the educational sector.

Interswitch will continue to do more to partner with businesses, profit and non-profit organizations and other development-based sectors to accelerate growth and development towards a better, more globally represented Nigeria.” She added.

Dignitaries at the fair included Dean, Faculty of Engineering, University of Lagos Omotayo Omotayo and Mrs. Bunmi Lawson who represented Group General Manager of National Petroleum Investment Management Services (NAPIMS among other special guests.

Gift presentation by Mrs. Bunmi Lawson, Group Manager of National Petroleum Investment presenting gift to some of the winners at the 9th National Festival of Schools Science and Quiz Competition held at UNILAG multipurpose.