By Emmanuel Enebeli
KWALE/Nigeria: The VCare for Development Foundation (VCDF), in collaboration with the Delta State Ministry of Education, has concluded the maiden edition of its “Igniting Minds Through Science” programme, a science-based educational competition involving 11 secondary schools across Ndokwa West and Ndokwa East Local Government Areas. The event, designed to stimulate interest in science and innovation among students, drew participation from schools across both councils, with the Ministry of Education praising the initiative for addressing gaps in the state’s educational system.
Speaking on behalf of the Commissioner for Basic and Secondary Education, Mrs. Rose Ezenwune, the Director of Schools, Mrs. Hope Igumbor, commended VCDF for its commitment to promoting quality education in Delta State. She noted that the programme had already begun filling critical gaps in science learning by exposing students to practical knowledge, creativity, and problem-solving tools needed for future careers. According to her, partnerships of this nature help strengthen the government’s drive to reposition the education sector for improved learning outcomes.
Programme Manager of VCDF in Delta State, Mr. Daniel Obamina, explained in an interview that the foundation is a non-governmental organisation dedicated to supporting vulnerable communities, families and individuals. He said the NGO operates across four thematic areas—integrated healthcare systems, comprehensive education, gender and social inclusion, and sustainable livelihoods—through which it offers mentorship, academic support and empowerment to students and vulnerable households. Obamina added that the Science Competition was created to nurture early interest in engineering, innovation and scientific discovery among young learners.
During the competition, the participating schools showcased various engineering and technological innovations, demonstrating creativity and problem-solving skills. One of the students, Chukwuemke Praise from Abbi Grammar School, expressed gratitude to the organisers for providing them the opportunity to display their talents, describing the experience as inspiring and confidence-building. The event also received support from Sterling Oils, whose contribution helped ensure the programme’s successful hosting.
Participating schools included Asa Grammar School, Asa; Isumpe Mixed Secondary School; Ashaka Mixed Secondary School; Utagba-Ogbe Technical College, Kwale; Mixed Secondary School Okapi Oluchi; Abbi Girls Comprehensive School; Ioduga Secondary School; Utagba-Ogbe Grammar School; Igbuku Secondary School; and Girls Secondary School, Utagba-Ogbe. VCDF reaffirmed its commitment to sustaining and expanding the initiative, stressing that building students’ capacity in science, technology and engineering is essential to preparing the next generation of problem-solvers and innovators who will contribute meaningfully to national development.
