Three students win the 2016 Awokoya chemistry competition

Three students’ spreading across the senatorial district in Delta Delta State have won the 2016 Awokoya Memorial Chemistry Competition sponsored by NNPC/Chevron Joint Venture in partnership with the Chemistry Society of Nigeria (Delta Chapter) and the Delta State Ministry of Education.

The Awokoya Memorial Chemistry Competition Award ceremony for secondary schools is celebrated every year in Nigeria in memory of the late great Chemist, Dr. Fasina. This is done as a contribution to the teaching and learning of chemistry in the country as well as to popularize science and technology in general and chemistry in particular amongst the youths.

In an opening address, Chairman Chemical Society of Nigeria, CSN, Delta Chapter, Mr. Alex Okoroji explained that this year’s program is very special to him because it marks the last time he will be performing this ritual as Chairman of Delta Chapter and the double honour brought the State by two of our candidates who represented Delta State at the National chemistry competition early this year.

According to Mr. Alex, our main reason for today program is to honour the students’ sho has made us proud both at State and National levels, I congratulate them, their teachers and the schools in providing the enabling environment for them to excel”.

He thanked Chevron Nigeria Limited for their contributions towards the study of chemistry which he said has made teaching and learning of the subject easy for which the Chemical society of Nigeria, Delta Chapter, the secondary schools, the students’ and their  parents are very grateful.

Mr. Okoroji commended the Delta State Ministry of Education, the Hon. Commissioner of Education for their unflinching support and encouragement as well as teachers who have tirelessly prepared these students’ for the competition.

In an address, Chairman/Managing Director, Chevron Nigeria Limited, Mr. Clay Neff who was represented by Mr. Esimaje Brikinn explained that the Awokoya Memorial Competition in Chemistry was introduced to promote the study of the subject among secondary school students’ in Nigeria.

According to Mr. Neff, the intent of the competition is to promote the teaching and learning of chemistry in Nigeria, stimulate as well as deepen the interest of students’ towards the subject.

L-R: Dr.  (Mrs.)  Tina.  O.  Isichie, Mr. Esimaje Brikinn,  Akele  Ohiorenuan Immaculate & his father

The President of Chemical Society of Nigeria, Prof. (Mrs.) G.U. Obuzor commended all the students’, saying she was proud to be in their midst, she appreciated the parents/teachers for preparing the students’ for the future.

According to her, chemistry is the bedrock of modern civilization. “We chemist are very proud, because we are hoping that with these crop of children, we have here today, one of them will become Mariam Coren”.

Prof. Obuzor disclosed that Chemical Society of Nigeria, Delta Chapter has promised to train any of the winners who decide to read chemistry in any Nigeria University of their choice.

She thanked NNPC/Chevron Joint Venture, the Chemical Society and Delta State Ministry of Education for their supports.

In his speech, Delta State Commissioner for Basic and Secondary Education, Barr. Chiedu Ebie who was represented by the Permanent Secretary, Ministry of Education, Mr. David Onokpe said the aim of the program was to award the students’ for their excellent performance. He expressed delight that Delta State has won the competition in two consecutive years, 2015 and 2016.

According to him, the State Government is very proud of the performances which saw the State taking 1^st and 2^nd position, adding that the program keys into the SMART Agenda of Governor Ifeanyi Okowa.

He commended parents, teachers, schools for providing the appropriate environment for the students’ to succeed, even as he thanked the NNPC/Chevron Joint Venture and the Chemical Society of Nigeria for the training and retraining of the teachers.

A former President of CSN, Prof. F.E. Okieimen congratulated Chemical Society of Nigeria, CSN, Delta Chapter and advised them to continue in their good-will and suggested that workshop should be introduced in the program to demonstrate chemistry, practical oriented projects that will make impact in the economy of the Nation.

Prof. Okieimen who gave a lecture on the topic: Chemistry the Mother of Science and Technology, noted, “chemistry is life from birth to death”.

He opined, students’ don’t want to read chemistry in higher institution, rather see it as a subject to pass in order to read other science courses like Medicine, Engineering and Architecture.

Making chemistry relevant and educating the students’ on the benefits of chemistry to the economic growth of the country will make them see reason to read chemistry as a course.

The renowned Chemist blamed the seeming disinterest of students’ towards the study of chemistry on several factors, particularly the attitude of chemistry teachers.

While lamenting poor or inadequate science labs in our secondary schools, the University Don asserted, “chemistry is more than central science. It is a profession to be practiced. Nigeria economic potentials can be unlocked through chemistry”.

L-R: Director of Pedigree, Chemistry Department, Prof.  S. H. O. Egboh, Prof. F. E. Okieimen, Mr.  Esimaje Brikinn, Prof. G. U. Obuzor, Mr. David Mr. David Onokpe & Kehinde Omo  Oisemaje

Highlights of the program include good-will messages given by the Principal of Demonstration Secondary School, Asaba, the Permanent Secretary, Ministry of Education, Mr. David Onokpe and Dr. Philippa Oganwu who represented the Provost, College of Education Warri, Prof. (Mrs.) Mary Edema. There was also the presentation of awards to Master Akele Ohiorenuan Immaculate of Demonstration Secondary School, Asaba (1^st prize) Sorokwu Desmond of Lords and Kings Academy, Warri (2^nd prize) and Diemesor Gabriel of Challenge Academy, DSC, Orhuwhorum (3^rd prize).

Cross section of the students

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