By Sandra Chukwunyere
Kaiama Grammar School, Kaiama, in Kolokuma/Opokuma Local Government Area, and the Federal Government Girls College (FGGC), Imiringi, Ogbia Local Government Area, have emerged winners at the 9th edition of the NCDMB/NTA Science Quiz Competition for secondary schools in Bayelsa State.
The grand finale, held on Wednesday at the Nigerian Content Tower Conference Centre in Swali, Yenagoa, featured top secondary schools from across the state in a keenly contested academic competition. Apex Academy, Yenagoa, finished as second runner-up after a closely fought contest.
The competition was jointly organised by the Nigerian Content Development and Monitoring Board (NCDMB) and the Nigerian Television Authority (NTA) to promote science education and encourage academic excellence among students.
At the end of the contest, winners received science equipment including microscopes, anatomical models, electronic weighing scales, printers, and other laboratory tools. Each of the six finalist students also went home with HP laptops to support their digital learning.
Speaking at the event, the Executive Secretary of NCDMB, Engr. Felix Omatsola Ogbe, represented by Dr. Obinna Ezeobi, described the quiz as one of the Board’s flagship education initiatives aimed at building human capacity in science and technology.
He noted that the competition, sustained for nine consecutive years, reflects the organisation’s commitment to preparing young Nigerians for future roles in the oil and gas industry and the wider economy.
According to him, encouraging students to take science subjects seriously from an early stage is essential for developing local expertise needed to drive industry growth and national development.
He also highlighted the Board’s wider interventions, including the establishment of ICT centres in secondary schools equipped with digital learning tools and teacher training programmes.
Participants were urged to use the laptops provided to develop relevant digital skills rather than limit them to entertainment purposes.
The General Manager of NTA Yenagoa, Mrs. Mary Ekanem, commended NCDMB for sustaining the competition despite earlier funding challenges, noting that it has continued to inspire students and improve academic performance across the state.
She said the partnership between NCDMB and NTA has remained impactful in strengthening education and promoting learning among young people.
Also speaking, the Coordinator of the competition, Mr. David Oyintare Enemiebor, praised NCDMB for expanding participation from 16 to 32 schools, describing the development as a major boost to science education in Bayelsa State.
The event concluded with the presentation of prizes and awards to outstanding schools and participating students.
