Borikiri Secondary School Wins 2026 NLNG Science Contest in Port Harcourt
Rashidat O. Okunlade Writes
Government Comprehensive Secondary School, Borikiri, has been crowned champion of the 2026 NLNG Science Contest, after a fierce intellectual battle at the grand finale held Wednesday in Rivers State capital.
The school emerged tops in a competition that began with 140 secondary schools across the state and narrowed down to seven finalists. The victory capped a three-phase contest that included a championship round, a science project exhibition, and the finale.
Themed “Powering Tomorrow: Science and Innovative Solutions,” the contest drew students from across Rivers State to showcase knowledge, creativity, and problem-solving skills — part of a broader push to promote STEM education, encourage healthy academic rivalry, and nurture future scientists, engineers, and technologists.
The annual competition identifies and inspires young scientific talent across Rivers State. It remains one of Nigeria’s foremost platforms for STEM excellence.
Science exhibition winners
While Borikiri took the overall crown, Government Girls Secondary School Orominieke claimed first place in the Science Project Exhibition category. Oginigba Comprehensive Secondary School, Oginigba, came second, while Government Girls Secondary School Finima-Bonny finished third.
‘Beyond the textbook’
Speaking at the event, Sophia Horsfall, NLNG’s General Manager of External Relations and Sustainable Development, said the contest is a deliberate investment in Nigeria’s next generation of innovators.
“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 added: “We have redesigned it to strengthen foundational knowledge in Mathematics, ICT, Physics, Chemistry, and Biology across a much broader scope. Our goal is to go beyond the textbook, sparking the critical thinking and innovation that our world so urgently needs.”
Horsfall noted that Nigeria’s future depends on young minds who can think critically, innovate boldly, and solve real-life challenges.
Government’s commitment
Hon. Dr. Peters Nwagor, Rivers State Commissioner for Education, described education as the bedrock of scientific innovation.
“The Rivers State Government, under the leadership of His Excellency, Sir Siminalayi Fubara, remains committed to strengthening the education sector through improved infrastructure, teacher capacity building, curriculum enhancement, and the promotion of STEM education,” Nwagor said.
He congratulated all finalists, stressing that their participation alone marked them as future leaders in science and research.
A contest reborn
First launched in 2008 and relaunched in 2020 after a six-year hiatus, the NLNG Science Contest has since evolved. The recent addition of the Science Project Exhibition now allows students to present practical solutions to scientific and environmental challenges.
The competition is organised in partnership with the Rivers State Ministry of Education, the state chapter of the Science Teachers Association of Nigeria (STAN), and Dragnet Solutions Limited.
‘I see my younger self’
In her opening remarks earlier in the day, Horsfall reflected on her own school days in Rivers State.
“Many years ago, long before I held this position at NLNG, I was a student just like you, right here in Rivers State. I remember studying science mostly as facts to be memorised. We had no structure like this contest. That is why this initiative is so close to my heart.”
She added: “When I look at you today, I do not just see contestants competing for a prize. I see my younger self — but this time, given a platform.”
Horsfall noted that the contest has transformed from a traditional science quiz into a full-fledged Science Contest, designed to empower problem-solvers.
“The world has enough fast talkers. It is now time to empower the problem solvers who will drive our technological future.”
She singled out the young female participants for praise: “Innovation has no gender, and talent has no limits.”
