Chief Lesi Maol’s N11m Science Quiz Ignites Academic Battle Among 60 Ogoni Schools

By Dormene Mbea

Academic excitement swept through Ogoniland at the weekend as no fewer than 60 secondary schools from the four Ogoni local government areas converged on Bori, Khana Local Government Area of Rivers State, for the 2026 edition of the Chief Lesi Maol Ogoni Secondary Schools Science Quiz Competition, with participants battling for a grand prize of N11 million.

The competition, sponsored by the President of KAGOTE and Chief Executive Officer of Giolee Global Resources Ltd, Chief Lesi Maol, has already been described by education stakeholders as one of the biggest private-sector interventions in science education in Ogoniland in recent years.

The contest drew participating schools from Gokana, Khana, Tai and Eleme local government areas, with students engaging in rigorous science-based questions and intellectual exercises designed to test their knowledge, analytical capacity and innovative thinking.

At the end of the preliminary rounds, Saint Pius X College, Bodo and Community Secondary School, Bera emerged as finalists from Gokana, while Sunshine International School, Onne and Community Secondary School, Akpajo qualified from Eleme.

Government Secondary School (GSS) Kpite and Community Secondary School (CSS) Kira secured qualification from Tai, while Comprehensive Secondary School (CSS) Kenpoly and Birabil Memorial Grammar School (BMGS), Bori advanced from Khana Local Government Area.

Speaking during the competition, Chief Executive Officer of Ogoni Capital TV, Mr. Ndume Green, said the initiative was conceived to deepen science education among secondary school students and position Ogoni youths to compete favourably in the global scientific community.

Green noted that Chief Lesi Maol’s vision goes beyond the competition itself, stressing that the long-term objective is to inspire scientific consciousness, innovation and technological advancement among young people in Ogoniland.

According to him, science remains central to human existence and national development.

“Outside God, virtually every aspect of human life depends on science. Health care, aviation, engineering, environment, communication, internet technology and modern innovations are all products of science education.

Chief Lesi Maol understands this reality and that is why he is investing heavily in developing the scientific capacity of our young people,” he said.

He added: “The aim is to produce future inventors, researchers, engineers, medical experts and scientists from Ogoniland who can compete globally and place the Ogoni nation on the world map through discoveries and innovations.”

Green further stated that the competition was already creating healthy academic rivalry among schools and encouraging students to take science subjects more seriously.

Some participating students who spoke to journalists commended the initiative and described it as a life-changing opportunity capable of reshaping the future of education in the area.

Miss Baridura Benita, a student of Community Secondary School, Bomu, expressed appreciation to Chief Lesi Maol for investing in the future of Ogoni children.

“We are very happy about this competition because it has encouraged many of us to study harder and focus on our academics. We want to make our schools, parents and Ogoni people proud. I thank Chief Lesi Maol for believing in students and giving us this opportunity,” she said.

Also speaking, Deele Joseph of Birabil Memorial Grammar School (BMGS), Bori, said participating schools had intensified preparations ahead of the finals.

“We are fully prepared for this competition because we want to win. We have been studying and researching seriously to compete with other schools. This programme has opened our minds to the importance of science and education generally,” he stated.

He prayed for God’s blessings upon Chief Lesi Maol for what he described as “a visionary investment in the educational future of Ogoni youths.”

An educationist and Principal Lecturer in the Department of Business Administration Management at Kenule Beeson Saro-Wiwa Polytechnic, Bori, as well as Visiting Lecturer at Ignatius Ajuru University of Education (IAUE), Dr. Lenu Wege, described the initiative as a transformative intervention capable of redefining science education standards across Ogoniland.

Dr. Wege said the competition would compel schools to improve their laboratories, learning facilities, educational software and teaching methods in order to remain competitive.

“This is one initiative that will significantly improve science education in Ogoniland. Schools that perform poorly will naturally go back and identify their deficiencies, while schools that excel will continue to improve. That healthy academic competition is exactly what our educational system needs,” he said.

He added: “The N11 million prize is not just about winning money; it is about inspiring schools to invest more in science education, research culture and practical learning. In the long run, this initiative will produce more professionals and scientists from Ogoniland.”

Parents, teachers and community leaders who attended the event also praised Chief Lesi Maol for using education as a tool for youth empowerment and regional development.

Many described the competition as a strategic investment capable of reducing youth restiveness, promoting academic excellence and creating opportunities for future technological advancement in Ogoni communities.

Observers at the event noted that the atmosphere in Bori reflected a rare blend of academic competition, youthful enthusiasm and communal pride, as students proudly represented their schools amid cheers from supporters and teachers. With the finals expected to attract even greater public attention, education stakeholders say the competition may evolve into one of the most prestigious academic contests in Rivers State if sustained over time.