By Dipo Olowookere

Winners have emerged in the essay competition organised by Airtel Nigeria for primary schools in Nigeria to celebrate the International Day of Education.

This is an initiative of implemented under the company’s Employee Volunteer Scheme (EVS) designed to enhance writing skills, foster critical thinking, and encourage self-expression among pupils.

The competition is for children in pupils Basic 4, 5 and 6, with themes focusing on education, technology, and community development.

This year’s event took place at Airtel’s adopted schools across Nigeria and forms a vital part of the telco’s Adopt-a-School program, a flagship Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) initiative focused on driving educational development in underserved communities.

Through this program, Airtel is committed to creating lasting value by equipping students with the skills and confidence needed for a brighter future.

The participating schools included Oremeji Primary School II, Ajegunle, Lagos; St John’s Primary School, Ijebu-Igbo, Ogun State; Iyeru-Okin Primary School, Offa, Kwara State; Community Primary School, Ezinihite Mbaise, Imo State; Presbyterian Primary School, Ediba, Cross River State; Yahaya Hamza Primary School, Zaria, Kaduna State; and Government Day Primary School, Pantami, Gombe State.

After a rigorous selection process, the top participants from each school competed in the final round, guided and mentored by Airtel employees who served as judges and facilitators.

The final stage of the competition saw 15 top participants from each school present their essays before a panel of judges.

Ultimately, a winner and runner-up were selected from each school to make a total of 14 champions nationwide. Prizes presented to the winners by Airtel included books, digital tablets, mathematical sets, writing instruments, among others.

“This essay competition is a testament to Airtel’s dedication to nurturing creativity and academic excellence among young learners.

“We aim to empower them to achieve their full potential and inspire positive change within their communities, by providing a platform for these students to share their ideas,” the chief executive of Airtel Nigeria, Mr Dinesh Balsingh, said.

By Modupe Gbadeyanka

No fewer than 473 students from 10 secondary schools and seven tertiary institutions have been awarded scholarships by the Dangote Petroleum Refinery and Petrochemicals, in partnership with Dangote Fertilisers Limited.

The beneficiaries were from the host communities of the organisations located in the suburb of Ibeju Lekki, Lagos State.

Students, parents, teachers, and community leaders expressed their immense joy as the scholarship certificates were presented to the beneficiaries, alongside educational materials, including textbooks and notebooks, as part of the 5th Dangote Scholarship Award Programme

“Education, as we all know, is the passport to the future. At Dangote, we believe education is not just a privilege but a right every child deserves.

“This belief has fueled our dedication to supporting students and schools in our host communities since the year 2019 when we launched the Scholarship Award Programme as a key pillar of our Community Development Plan, with year-on-year progress,” the Group Vice President of Oil and Gas at Dangote Industries Limited, Mr Devakumar Edwin, said,

He remarked that the initiative is not merely a celebration of achievements but a reaffirmation of the group’s commitment to nurturing potential, empowering communities, and shaping a brighter future for the leaders of tomorrow.

Praising the students for their academic dedication, which he acknowledged has resulted in remarkable growth over the years, Mr Edwin highlighted the impressive year-on-year progress—from 56 students in 2019 to 450 beneficiaries in 2024.

He also noted that the decision to donate the 804 tables and chairs to schools was part of the company’s broader commitment to enhancing the learning environment. This gesture, he emphasised, is a testament to the company’s dedication to ensuring that every child has access to a conducive environment for learning, where they can grow, dream, and thrive.

“To the scholars here today, you are at the heart of our initiatives. Your dreams, aspirations, and hard work inspire us to continue making a difference.

“As you embark on your academic journeys, remember that the support you receive today is a seed sown in fertile ground. Nurture it with dedication, perseverance, and a spirit of excellence, and it will yield remarkable fruits in your future.

“I would like to extend my heartfelt gratitude to our community leaders, and dedicated school administrators who work tirelessly to ensure the success of these initiatives. Your partnership and support are invaluable, and we are honoured to work alongside you in empowering the next generation,” Mr Edwin added.

The Managing Director of Dangote Industries Free Zone Development Company (DIFZDC), Mr Olayinka Akande, urged the beneficiaries to uphold excellence, which he identified as one of the core values of Dangote Industries Limited.

Emphasising the importance of dedication and diligence, he encouraged the students to aim high, noting that with such attributes, some of them could rise to become governors, ministers, captains of industry, or even the next ‘Edwin’ in the future.

The Head of Social Performance at Dangote Petroleum & Petrochemicals, Ms Ogunleye Mojisola, highlighted that the education intervention is one of the four pillars of the Community Development Plan, which was jointly designed with the community.

“The increase in the number of beneficiaries each year is a clear indication that the initiative is fulfilling its purpose, motivating students to study hard and achieve academic excellence,” she remarked.

On his part, the Aro of Lekki Kingdom, Mr Adewale Salami, who represented the Oni of Lekki, conveyed his appreciation for the intervention, affirming that the company is helping to shape the future of the community. He also expressed the kingdom’s continued support for Dangote Industries Limited.

The Chairman of the Lekki Coastal Area Development Association, Mr Wasiu Ayeola, praised the founder of Dangote Industries Limited, Mr Aliko Dangote, for transforming what was once a hunting ground of rabbits and lizards into a multibillion-dollar investment that benefits not only the local community and Lagos but also Nigeria and the world. He emphasised that education is the most effective way to shape the future of the community.

By Aduragbemi Omiyale

The winner of the sixth edition of the InterswitchSPAK, Henry Ndudu Ekong, has earned a university scholarship valued at N15 million, awarded over five years, including a monthly stipend and a new laptop to support his academic journey.

This has made the student of Pegasus School, Akwa Ibom State, as the best STEM student in Nigeria, beating the other competitors at the just-concluded of the famed national science competition.

The first runner-up was Eric Denyefa Omare from St. Gregory’s College, Lagos and received a N10 million scholarship awarded over three years along with a laptop, while the second runner-up was David Umeojiaka from Graceland International School, Rivers State, receiving a N5 million scholarship for one year and a laptop as well.

Cash prizes were also awarded to students placing fourth through ninth, while the top 18 semi-finalists and 27 dedicated teachers received special recognition awards.

Additionally, the top 200 preliminary qualifiers were granted JAMB e-PINS, enabling them to register for the Joint Admissions and Matriculation Board (JAMB) exams at no cost.

This year, Interswitch increased the total prize pool significantly, raising it to over N30 million, representing a 140 per cent increase from the previous N12.5 million, reinforcing Interswitch’s commitment to advancing education.

InterswitchSPAK 6.0 saw laudable participation, with more than 16,000 students registered nationwide at the start of the competition.

This landmark competition highlights Interswitch’s ongoing efforts to inspire, support and empower Nigeria’s next generation of thinkers and innovators.

As the competition continues to grow, Interswitch remains dedicated to driving the country’s advancement in science and technology by investing in initiatives that foster academic excellence and innovation, ensuring that Nigeria's brightest minds have every opportunity to contribute to a more prosperous and technologically driven nation.

Commenting on the competition, the Executive Vice President for Group Marketing and Communications at Interswitch, Ms Cherry Eromosele, emphasized the critical role of STEM education in Nigeria’s growth and Interswitch’s dedication to cultivating young talent and driving meaningful innovation.

“At Interswitch, we believe that Nigeria’s future lies in the hands of our youth, especially those who are passionate about science and technology.

“InterswitchSPAK 6.0 exemplifies our commitment to empowering these bright minds by providing them with the tools, skills, and resources they need to innovate and excel.

“Our investment in STEM education not only fuels individual success but also drives economic growth and societal progress, building a brighter future for Nigeria,” she said.