Ogbe Secondary School, Effurun, has emerged the overall winner of the Special Science Quiz Competition organized by the Federal University of Petroleum Resources, Effurun (FUPRE), in celebration of the tenure of its outgoing Vice Chancellor, Engr. Prof. Akpofure Rim-Rukeh.
The winning team secured 35 points to beat Orerokpe Secondary School and Osubi Secondary School, who scored 25 and 20 points respectively to finish second and third.
The keenly contested quiz took place at FUPRE’s newly inaugurated 500-capacity auditorium and featured top-performing schools from Uvwie and Okpe Local Government Areas.
The competition was overseen by a panel led by Prof. Ikuobase Emovon, Dean of the College of Engineering and Technology, supported by Mrs. Maria Odiakaose and Dr. (Mrs.) Ogwuche Christiana Ene.
Schools that participated included Ugbomro, Ugbolokposo, Ogbe, Oha, Eradicate (Ugolo), Orerokpe, and Osubi Secondary Schools.
Contestants were tested on their knowledge of Chemistry, Biology, Physics, and general environmental science.
Welcoming participants, Prof. Rim-Rukeh reflected on his own school days when he represented Okotie-Eboh Grammar School, Sapele, in science competitions in 1977 and 1978.
He urged the students to remain focused, confident, and hopeful, reminding them that they could one day be part of FUPRE’s academic community.
Chairperson of the event, Prof. (Mrs.) Doris Ogeleka, Vice Chancellor (Administration), described the quiz as a platform to discover and groom future STEM leaders.
She praised Prof. Rim-Rukeh’s foresight in initiating the event and said such competitions would become a tradition in future VC transitions.
Highlighting the university’s commitment to academic excellence, Prof. Ogeleka announced cash prizes of N100,000, N75,000, and N50,000 for the top three schools.
In a generous gesture, Mrs. Mercy Akpofure, wife of the Vice Chancellor, doubled all prizes—raising them to N200,000, N150,000, and N100,000 respectively.
Moved by the performance of the winners, Chief Judge Prof. Emovon personally awarded N10,000 to standout students from Ogbe Secondary School, Master Odime Maro and Miss Okouromu Rejoice.
Both students expressed gratitude to their teachers and credited their success to divine support.
Delivering the vote of thanks, Dr. (Mrs.) Jane Omoyine praised the resilience of Ogbe Secondary School students, especially given the difficult, swampy conditions in which they learn.
She offered prayers for continued blessings on the outgoing Vice Chancellor and appreciated all who contributed to the success of the event.
