Lagos, Nigeria (VOICE OF NAIJA)- Government Comprehensive Secondary School, Borikiri, has emerged winner of the 2026 Nigeria LNG (NLNG) Science Contest, underscoring the growing impact of science, technology, engineering and mathematics (STEM) education in nurturing the next generation of innovators and problem-solvers.
The competition, which concluded on Wednesday in Port Harcourt, Rivers State, brought together some of the brightest secondary school students from across the state to demonstrate their knowledge, creativity and scientific ingenuity under the theme, “Powering Tomorrow: Science and Innovative Solutions.”
After a series of rigorous intellectual contests, Government Comprehensive Secondary School, Borikiri, outperformed other finalists to claim the championship title, capping a demanding three-stage competition that included the Championship, Science Project Exhibition and Grand Finale.
The school’s victory reflected strong mastery of scientific concepts, analytical thinking and composureunder pressure, qualities organisers said are essential for building future scientists, engineers and technology leaders.
In the Science Project Exhibition category, Government Girls Secondary School, Orominieke, secured first place, while Oginigba Comprehensive Secondary School, Oginigba, and Government Girls Secondary School, Finima-Bonny, finished second and third respectively.
Speaking at the grand finale, NLNG’s General Manager, External Relations and Sustainable Development, Sophia Horsfall, said the competition represents the company’s commitment to investing in young talent and creating platforms that inspire innovation-driven development.
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According to her, the contest has evolved beyond a traditional academic competition into a catalyst for scientific excellence and innovation.
“The NLNG Science Contest provides the framework required for innovation-led projects to thrive, as NLNG continues to inspire a sustainable future through the power of science,” Horsfall said.
She explained that the competition has been redesigned to strengthen foundational knowledge in Mathematics, Information and Communication Technology (ICT), Physics, Chemistry and Biology, while encouraging students to think beyond classroom learning.
“Our goal is to go beyond the textbook, sparking the critical thinking and innovation that our world so urgently needs,” she added.
Horsfall noted that NLNG remains committed to advancing quality education and strengthening interest in STEM disciplines, stressing that Nigeria’s future competitiveness will depend on young people capable of developing practical solutions to real-world challenges.
Also speaking, the Rivers State Commissioner for Education, Peters Nwagor, described education as the foundation upon which scientific advancement and innovation are built.
He said science education equips students with critical thinking, creativity and problem-solving skills required to drive economic growth and technological progress.
Nwagor reaffirmed the commitment of the Rivers State Government under Governor Siminalayi Fubara to improving educational outcomes through enhanced infrastructure, teacher development programmes, curriculum reforms and sustained promotion of STEM education.
“The Rivers State Government recognises the strategic importance of science education in building a prosperous and competitive society,” he said.
The 2026 NLNG Science Contest further reinforced the growing partnership between the private sector and government in developing the human capital needed to drive Nigeria’s innovation economy and future industrial growth.
