By Desmond Ejibas
Port Harcourt – The Government Comprehensive Secondary School (GCSS), Borikiri, Port Harcourt has emerged winner of the 2026 Nigeria LNG Science Competition.
GCSS Borikiri emerged winner after outperforming 140 other secondary schools across Rivers that participated in the contest.
Mrs Anne-Marie Palmer-Ikuku, the Manager, Corporate Communication and Public Affairs, NLNG, disclosed this in a statement on Thursday in Port Harcourt.
Palmer-Ikuku said that the competition brought together students from across the state to demonstrate their knowledge, creativity and problem-solving abilities in science and technology.
She said that the initiative was designed to promote Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics (STEM) education, and encourage healthy academic competition.
“The 2026 contest commenced with 140 secondary schools from across Rivers, out of which seven schools qualified for the finals,” she said.
She stated that 42 schools participated in the Science Project Exhibition category, with 11 advancing to the final stage.
Palmer-Ikuku said GCSS Borokiri emerged the overall winner after excelling through several stages of the competition.
“GCSS Borikiri distinguished itself through accuracy, composure and a strong grasp of science concepts,” she stated.
She noted that the competition comprised three phases: the championship stage, the science project exhibition and the grand finale.
According to her, Government Girls Secondary School, Orominieke, won the Science Project Exhibition category, while Oginigba Comprehensive Secondary School came second.
She further reported that Government Girls Secondary School, Finima-Bonny, came third.
Speaking at the grand finale, NLNG’s General Manager, External Relations and Sustainable Development, Dr Sophia Horsfall, described the contest as an investment in the future of young Nigerians.
“The contest provides the framework required for innovation-led projects to thrive as NLNG continues to inspire a sustainable future through the power of science,” she said.
Horsfall said that rhe competition had evolved into a platform that strengthens foundational knowledge in Mathematics, ICT, Physics, Chemistry and Biology.
“Our goal is to go beyond the textbook, sparking the critical thinking and innovation that our world urgently needs,” she stated.
She reiterated NLNG’s commitment to promoting quality education and strengthening interest in STEM disciplines.
According to her, the future depends on young people who can think critically, innovate and solve real-world challenges.
Horsfall said that competition was organised in partnership with the Rivers State Ministry of Education, the Science Teachers Association of Nigeria, Rivers State Chapter, and Dragnet Solutions Limited.
In his remark, the Commissioner of Education in Rivers, Mr Peters Nwogbo, said that education remained the foundation of scientific innovation and development.
Nwogbo stated that the state government was committed to improving educational infrastructure, enhancing teacher capacity and promoting STEM education.
He urged participating students to continue striving for excellence, noting that their involvement had already distinguished them among their peers.
The commissioner further said that the introduction of the Science Project Exhibition had expanded opportunities for students to develop practical solutions to scientific and environmental challenges. (NAN)
