NEPL/Seplat JV reaffirms commitment to education, rewards quiz winners with ₦18m grants

By Jethro Ibileke

The NNPC Exploration and Production Limited (NEPL)/Seplat Energy Joint Venture (JV) has reaffirmed its commitment to improving education outcomes and nurturing future leaders across Edo and Delta States.

The Chief Operating Officer, Seplat Energy Plc, Samson Ezugworie, gave the affirmation over the weekend while speaking at the at the closing ceremony of the 2026 edition of its flagship PEARLs Quiz Competition.

He said the JV’s education interventions are designed to address foundational gaps and create stronger pathways for young people to thrive.

“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.

Also speaking, the Managing Director of NEPL, Nicolas Foucart, urged participants to focus not only on prizes but on the knowledge, discipline and confidence gained through the competition.

Foucart who was represented by Olubukonla Oyegbami, said: “Every participant is a winner. The real value is in the experience gained and how it is applied in future endeavors.”

Chioma Afe, Director, External Affairs and Social Performance, Seplat Energy Plc, said PEARLs has grown into one of the JV’s most impactful education initiatives since its launch in 2012.

“PEARLs is more than a quiz. It builds confidence, discipline, leadership, and problem-solving skills. To date, the programme has impacted over 57,000 students, with more than ₦100 million invested in school infrastructure and educational development,” she said.

The event also featured a STEAM Innovation Showcase, where students presented practical solutions to real-world problems. Cradle High School emerged overall winner, while Ogbe Secondary School and Meridien Royal Academy placed second and third respectively, receiving cash prizes of ₦1 million, ₦500,000 and ₦200,000.

Representatives of the Delta and Edo State Governments commended the NEPL/Seplat Energy JV for sustaining investments that continue to strengthen education, inspire excellence and support youth development.

Through PEARLs and other education-focused CSI initiatives, including the Seplat Teachers Empowerment Programme and STEAM laboratories, the NEPL/Seplat Energy JV continues to expand opportunities for young people and contribute to sustainable development across its host communities.

This year’s competition attracted 476 secondary schools, culminating in a keenly contested grand finale that celebrated academic excellence, innovation, confidence and character among young people.

Notre Dame College, Ozoro, Delta State, emerged overall winner, receiving the championship trophy and a ₦10 million education infrastructure grant. Henson Demonstration School, Benin City, placed second and received ₦5 million, while Lumen Christi College came third, winning ₦3 million. Student representatives and supervising teachers from the top three schools also received educational support prizes.