Chevron’s Partnership with Awokoya Chemistry Competition Inspire Students’ Interest in Science
Sylvester Idowu in Warri
Chairman and Managing Director of Chevron Nigeria Limited (CNL), Mr. Jim Swartz, over the weekend, said the firm’s partnership with Awokoya Memorial Chemistry Competition, has engendered great interest in the study of Chemistry among secondary school students.
He stated this during the 36th edition of Awokoya Memorial Chemistry Competition Award Ceremony for Secondary Schools, held at the Petroleum Training Institute (PTI), Effurun in Uvwie Local Government Area of Delta State.
The Awokoya Chemistry Competition, which was initiated to promote the study of the subject among secondary school students and in memory of Professor Stephen Awokoya, a great Chemist, has been sponsored since 1992 by the Nigerian National Petroleum Company Limited/Chevron Joint Venture (NNPCL/CNL JV).
Mr. Swartz, who was represented by the Senior Community Engagement Advisor of Chevron, Mr. Rotimi Awotuyi, said the NNPCL/CNL Joint Venture’s motivation to continue to support the competition was sustained by the evidential performance of students from Delta State in both regional and national competitions over the years.
“The 2024 edition saw an increased participation by students by over 12 per cent, with as much as 507 students from 235 schools participating from the first stage.
“This year`s edition, students from Delta State took the first, second, third and fourth positions in the South-South zonal examination which comprises Akwa-Ibom, Bayelsa, Cross River, Delta, Edo and Rivers States”, he said.
Mr. Swartz expressed satisfaction that all the past awardees proceeded to further their studies in science-related disciplines at the university level, both locally and internationally.
He assured that NNPCL/CNL JV will continue to invest in and support quality education through provision of education infrastructures, sponsorship of manpower development programs and provision of scholarships.
Chairman, Chemistry Society of Nigeria (CSN), Delta State Chapter, Mr. Koida Owate, commended Chevron for its all-time sponsorship of the programme noting that it had led to outstanding performance of students.
He however appealed to CNL for more funding to reach more teachers for their Train the Trainers Workshop and more students for the competition.
Delta State Commissioner for Education (Basic and Secondary) Mrs. Rose Ezewu, who was represented by Dr. Ogheneovo Benjamin Olori commended CNL/CSN for organising the competition for 36 years, saying it has inspired many students in Delta State to pursue careers in Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics (STEM)
The guest lecturer, Rev. Fr. Jude Nwabuoke, who spoke on the topic “Unlocking Individual Potential The Power Of Self Education In Shaping The Future’’ emphasised on the importance of STEM in promoting socio economic growth of the country, which calling on government to invest in teachers and science infrastructure.
Highlights of the programme was the presentation of plagues, certificates and cash prize to the Delta State AMCC 2024 prize winner Miss Nwogwu Udoka, from Delta Careers College Ugboroke; the first runner up Samuel Ebubechukwu from Peniel Academy Agbor and the third position to Sunmonu Abdurrahman from Alfred Jonah International School Sapele.
