BENIN- CITY – The 2022 edition of the annual LAPO quiz competition for secondary schools in Edo and Delta States climaxed on Friday, with University Preparatory Secondary School emerging overall winner with 60 points at the grand finale held at the main hall of LAPO Institute for Microfinance and Management Studies in Benin City.
Presentation National High school and AB Education Centre, both in Benin City, came second and third runners up respectively in the keenly contested quiz competition.
The Quiz competition was based on Mathematics, English Language,Biology, Chemistry, Physics and Current Affairs.
All winners were adequately rewarded with Science teaching aids and modern laboratory equipment in Science Education .
In his address of welcome, the Executive Director, LAPO, Dr.Honestus Obadiora said LAPO as a pro-poor development institution recognizes education as a potent weapon against poverty hence the need to enhance the understanding of science subjects and current affairs through the annual quiz competition which started since 2006 to help broaden the knowledge base of students and teachers alike.
He said that for the grand finale, six secondary schools emerged from the over 375 students who participated in the 3 senatotorial districts in Edo and Delta States respectively.
Also speaking, the Managing Director,LAPO microfinance Bank, Mrs.Cynthia Ikponmwosa, represented by Barr.Paul Emgbouke, Head legal, said LAPO as a development focused organization is committed to initiatives that will contribute to the human capital development of youths in Edo and Delta States as the 2022 edition of quiz competition presented the opportunity to stimulate and challenge the intellectual capacity of students in secondary schools while preparing them for future responsibilities.
On her part, Edo State commissioner for Education, Dr.Joan Oviawe , commended LAPO Microfinance Bank for the initiative which started in 2006 with the aim of promoting intellectual development in science education among secondary school students while inculcating a sense of competitive spirit and discipline in students.
The commisioner , represented by the Secretary, Post Primary Education Board, Mr.Osawe Osagie, said the initiative which is in line with the EdoBest 2.0 reforms of the administration of Governor Godwin Obaseki was an avenue for continuous enhancement of the understanding of Science through the encouragement of the students to study and exchange ideas and learning experiences.
She urged every participating students, particularly those from Edo State to show greater commitment and determination to work hard at all times in their studies in order to ensure victory during the competition.
Her Delta State counterpart, Mrs Rose Ezewu said the Delta State Government was seeking ways to collaborate with Lift Above Poverty Organization, LAPO, in order to sustain the giant strides achieved in education development through its genuine support for the development of science education.
The Commisioner for Basic and Secondary Education who was represented by Mrs.Hope Igunbor, Director, Science Education, said that an educative competition with interest in science education was capable of promoting the understanding of Science subjects while providing a veritable platform for teachers and students to exchange ideas .
She further said that LAPO over the years, through the quiz competition has lifted science students from Delta State in all ramifications morally, economically and socially, noting that education as an instrument of economic empowerment and bedrock of national development, requires the collaborative efforts of all stakeholders including governments at all levels.
University Preparatory Secondary School, Presentation National High School and AB Education Centre represented Edo State; while Royal Academy Group of Schools ,Nobel Academy and Peniel Schools represented Delta State respectively, in the grand finale of the Quiz competition.
The 3 participating secondary schools from Edo State emerged winners in all categories and LAPO prestigious trophy was presented to University Preparatory Secondary School after polling 60 points to emerge overall winner, while Presentation National High School came second with 45 points.
A tie of 40 points between Peniel Academy and AB Education Centre was settled with another round of questions as AB Education centre polled 55 points while Peniel Academy scored 50 points to come fourth best school.
