Barr. Chiedu Ebie, Delta State Commissioner for Education (Basic and Secondary),
By Emeka Nwokocha
WARRI/Nigeria: Delta State Commissioner for Education (Basic and Secondary), Barr. Chiedu Ebie has commended Chevron/NNPC Joint venture for investing huge resources and commitment in the development of science education in Nigeria.
The Commissioner gave the commendation through his representative, Mrs. Joy Biyibi-Godson, Director, Science, Vocational and Technical Education, on the occasion of the 2017 Awokoya Memorial Chemistry Competition Award Ceremony for secondary schools, held at the Conference hall of the Petroleum Training Institute (PTI), Effurun.
He praised Chevron/NNPC JV for supporting a platform for grooming young Nigerian scholars in science education.
The Commissioner emphasized the importance of science education in Nigeria’s quest for technological advancement, noting that Chevron/NNPC JV’s sponsorship of the chemistry competition is in sync with Governor Ifeanyi Okowa’s SMART agenda.
Barr. Chiedu congratulated the students who distinguished themselves at the state and national competitions at the 2017 edition of the competition, saying that Delta State would, in the near future take the lead in science education in Nigeria. He noted that the state had won the national trophy two consecutive times (2015 – 2016), in the Chemical Society of Nigeria (CSN) organized Awokoya memorial chemistry competition, promising that the state government would continue to encourage science education in the schools.
In his speech, the Special Guest of Honour, Mr. Jeffrey Ewing, Chairman/MD, Chevron Nigeria limited (CNL) who was represented by Mr. Tony Emegere, PGPA Superintendent, CNL, expressed satisfaction that the Awokoya memorial Chemistry competition is yielding its intended objective, saying it has engendered the study of chemistry in recent times.
Continuing, the Chevron boss said, “We have shown unwavering commitment to encouraging the study of chemistry and improving on science education in Nigeria, in a bid to catalysing rapid technological development.
In her welcome address, Chairman, CSN Delta State Chapter, Dr. Mrs. Tina Isichie, expressed delight that the event has become a yearly celebration that is looked forward to by students, parents and other stakeholders of the education sector, saying the competition is aimed at sensitizing and encouraging the teaching and learning of chemistry. She saluted Chevron/NNPC JV for being the sponsor of the event over the years.
Isichie said the competition is organized in two stages in the state and the best two students are selected to compete with the best from other states across the country. She expressed joy that students from public schools are among the prize winners this year, a development she attributed to greater commitment from the teachers and students alike, saying “there is a ray of hope in our educational system.” Continuing, Dr. Isichie charged the teachers from the schools whose students excelled at the competition to keep up with the good work.
“I salute our esteemed students who studied very hard and burnt the midnight oil to achieve the success we are celebrating today especially in an age that seems to relegate academic excellence to the background while focusing on entertainment.
“To our teachers who have gone beyond the call of duty to prepare these students so that they can excel, I dare say you are a star, for no other profession would exist without your role as a teacher, and we will say to you a big thank you.
“To our parents who have made all the sacrifices to ensure that their children get the best, I pray for you that your efforts shall not be in vein and you will live to reap the fruits of your labour, ” she said.
Dr. Isichie noted that the students who had won previous awards at the competition excel at higher institutions across the country.
In his address, Sir Ebitimi Berezi, President, CSN, South-South, who represented Prof. Gloria Obuzor, Chairman of the occasion and President, CSN, said that the Delta State Chapter of CSN is unarguably among the three states that have performed excellently at national level of the Awokoya Memorial Chemistry Competition. He thanked Chevron/NNPC JV for sustaining their sponsorship of the competition over the years, even as he congratulated Government College Ughellli for coming top at the state level of the competition.
The 1st prize (a tropjy) was won by Esosuota Iroro Peter of Government, College Ughellli, 2nd prize was won by Efemona Faith of Lords and Kings Academy, Warri, and 3rd prize was worn by Isioma Nelson of Federal Government College, Warri.
