EKET SCHOOLS CHALLENGE: WINNERS EMERGE

As UNICAL Professor Applaud Sam Edoho, Emphasize on Science and Technology Education



A professor of geology at the University of Calabar, Prof. Etie Ben Akpan who served as Chairman at Eket Primary Schools Challenge has called for a shift of focus to science and technology education at the primary and secondary levels of education in Nigeria and Akwa Ibom state in particular.

Prof. Etie said this over the weekend in his speech at Eket Schools Challenge organized by Sam Edoho Foundation in partnership with Fournir Integrated Services.

The geologian while expressing delight by the intelligence displayed by the pupils that participated in the quiz Competition, observed that the pupils showed more sophistry in art subjects than sciences, while calling for more attention on sciences, he opined that events such as the Schools Challenge provides opportunities for physical appraisal of the education sector in the society.

In his words, "I am happy to witness this competition. For me, this is real empowerment and competitions like this gives up opportunity to physically appraise our education system. Empowerment is not all about buying of tricycles and motorcycles, but impacting lives with enduring developmental programmes such as this.
"I observed that the children did very well, except in sciences. Science is the future, science is the way of development so I urge all the actors in the education sector to shift focus to science education.
Well done Mr. Sam Edoho for organisining this event to impact our children, they will not forget this experience".

At the event,  after the first elimination stage, the second and final rounds witnessed high intensity and tension soaked battle for superiority amongst the pupils representing various Schools.

The nine remaining schools after two elimination stages were:
Dominion International School, St. Pauls Lutheran School ( public school), Rehoboth International School, Holy Child, Ontario International School, Beautiful Gate International School, Kings Pride Academy Animeks International School and Rains International School.

In a fierce battle that witnessed speedy release of intelligent answers to complex questions, expression of grandiloquence and showcasing of deep sophistry in science and mathematics by the pupils, the three remaining schools including Rehoboth International School, Animeks International schools and Ontario International Academy battled vigorously to outwit each other in the competition.

 At the end of the quiz, by decision of the judges who were drawn from Akwa Ibom state Ministry of Education, the University of Uyo and other seasoned quiz masters in the state, Ontario International Academy emerged winner of the competition, winning the 100, 000 naira prize money plus a gold trophy, while Rehoboth International School was the first runner-up, winning the 70,000 naira cash prize money plus a silver trophy and Animeks International Schools was declared the second runner-up winning the 50,000 naira prize money plus the bronze trophy.